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The Need for Speed: 5 Facts About The Mallard
When it comes to pushing the boundaries of engineering and speed, one name stands out above the rest in the annals of railway history – the Mallard.
This iconic steam locomotive holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and historians alike. Join us as we delve into the story of the Mallard and uncover five fascinating facts about this legendary machine.
Credit: G-13114 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Record Breaker
The year was 1938, and the quest for speed was on.
The Mallard took centre stage when on July 3rd of that year, it embarked on a mission to break the world speed record for steam locomotives.
Rocketing along the East Coast Main Line, near Grantham, the Mallard reached an incredible speed of 126mph, breaking the record previously held by Germany’s DRG’s Class 5 Locomotive that had reached 124.5mph in 1936.
And the Mallard’s world record still stands to this day.
A plaque has been mounted on its side to commemorate its historic achievement, proudly displaying its maximum speed of 126mph.
Credit: Alan Wilson at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Designed for Speed
The brainchild of Sir Nigel Gresley, the renowned chief mechanical engineer of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), the Mallard was built at the Doncaster Works.
Gresley incorporated several features to maximize speed, including a streamlined body and a three-cylinder design for greater power and efficiency.
A Train of Firsts
The Mallard was not only a speed demon but also a pioneer of innovative technologies.
It was the first locomotive to be fitted with a Kylchap double blastpipe and chimney, which significantly improved steam flow and enhanced performance.
Additionally, it was one of the first locomotives to be painted in the iconic LNER garter blue livery, making it instantly recognizable.
A Legacy Preserved
Today, the Mallard is part of the National Collection, residing in the National Railway Museum in York. Following a restoration project which brought the Mallard back to its former glory, the magnificent locomotive is a star attraction.
Credit: G-Man at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Links to Ornithology
Gresley had a keen interest in birds and birdwatching and as such many of the locomotives in the A4 class were named after birds.
Including the Mallard, Falcon, Golden Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Kingfisher, Wild Swan and Guillemot to name a few…
Yours FREE: The Mallard Commemorative
Today you can own the first issue in the British Railway Heritage Collection – The Mallard Commemorative – for FREE. You’ll only pay postage.
The Mallard Commemorative is the first in a collection celebrating Britain’s Railway Heritage – with each issue featuring an intricately illustrated locomotive from the annals of railway history.
By ordering your commemorative today, you have the chance to trial the British Railway Collection for FREE (+postage) with absolutely no obligation to continue collecting if you don’t want to.
Introductory Offer
The Mallard Commemorative is an Introductory Offer for the British Railway Heritage Collection. Each month, you’ll receive four commemoratives for £25.00 (+p&p). You’ll also receive your FREE Presentation Album to house your collection. You can cancel your subscription at anytime.
Crafting History in Art: Exclusive Interview with Steve Wyse – The Creative Mind Behind The History of British Railways £2 Sets
Prepare to be transported into the world of artistic ingenuity as we present a captivating interview with Steve Wyse, an esteemed Honorary Member of the Guild of Railway Artists. Join us in exploring the creative process, inspiration, and meticulous attention to detail that culminated in the exquisite designs gracing the freshly minted History of British Railways £2 Sets, creating a bridge between history and numismatic art.
Tracing Tracks: Unveiling the History of British Railways BU and Silver £2 Coin Sets
In the annals of British history, the year 1923 marks a pivotal moment that reshaped the nation’s railway landscape forever. A convergence of 120 regional railway companies gave rise to four prominent entities, as a result of the Railway Act of 1921.
Now, in a splendid tribute to this transformative event, special Brilliant Uncirculated and Silver Proof £2 Coin sets have been issued.
This extraordinary coin collection stands as a tribute to an era when steam and steel connected cities, fuelled the Industrial Revolution, and united the kingdom.
Click the circles below to find out more about the design and the sets:
Each gleaming £2 coin encapsulates the essence of a bygone era, immortalising five of the most iconic locomotives that once traversed the British countryside. Encased in special presentation packs, these coins are elevated by the artistic brilliance of Steve Wyse, an Honorary Member of the Guild of Railway Artists. Through his skillful renderings, the spirit of each locomotive comes alive, inviting you to relive the golden age of rail travel.
But for those who seek the pinnacle of numismatic excellence, we invite you to take a step further. Behold the History of British Railways Silver Proof £2 Coin Set—a masterpiece that merges history, artistry, and exclusivity.
Limited to just 295 sets worldwide and meticulously struck from Sterling Silver, each coin has been crafted with precision and minted to perfection. These sterling silver coins are a stunning homage to the railway heritage.
Each coin is a portal to the past, an ode to innovation, and a salute to the journeys that shaped a nation. Choose your piece of history and become a guardian of the tracks that connect the past to the present.
SOLD-OUT Silver Proof coin from The Royal Canadian Mint
In 2022, The Royal Canadian Mint issued a stunning Silver Proof coin accentuated with Gold plate.
It was issued as a tribute to the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, featuring a sentimental one-off obverse design.
There were 15,000 issued worldwide, but they sold-out almost immediately.
That’s because the reverse design beautifully represents the Imperial State Crown – the crown worn by the monarch as they leave Westminster Abbey after the Coronation.
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown is the crown worn by the Monarch at Westminster Abbey as they leave the Coronation ceremony. It also graces the Head of State on other occasions such as the Opening of Parliament.
The Imperial State Crown was created for the Coronation of King George VI in 1937, replacing Queen Victoria’s 1838 crown. The Imperial State Crown contains some of the most iconic jewels, such as the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Stuart Sapphire.
Made of solid Gold, it is enhanced with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies! In fact, the centrepiece of the crown – the Edward’s Sapphire – is said to have been worn by St Edward the Confessor which was discovered in his tomb in 1163.
SOLD-OUT Imperial State Crown Silver Proof Coin
Released as part of The Royal Canadian Mint’s Memorial coin range for Elizabeth II, this stunning Silver coin represents the Imperial State Crown.
Struck from 99.99% Fine Silver to a pristine Proof finish, your coin has been impressively accentuated with the most prestigious Gold plate.
And within days of release, this coin sold-out an entire edition limit 15,000 at The Royal Canadian Mint.
What’s more, this coin features the special tribute obverse from the Royal Canadian Mint’s Memorial coin range. Combining all four Canadian effigies of Elizabeth II, it is marked by a small Tudor rose which honours Elizabeth II’s time on coinage since her coronation in 1953.
This tribute obverse is unique to this range of coins, and integrates the designs of previous obverse designers: Susanna Blunt, Dora de Pédery-Hunt, Arnold Machin, and Mary Gillick.
This coin is no longer available to order, but you can explore more Queen Elizabeth II coins on our website here >>