The illustration of 4468 Mallard is now finished and will be going to the printers later this month. The illustration, plus enlagements, can be viewed here. The print will be available from 21st February 2008. Print Number 1 will be subject to a draw – see below.
The illustration shows Mallard in the condition it was on the 3rd July 1938 when it achieved a maximum of 126mph on the decent of Stoke bank. The LNER claimed 125mph as this was the official record over a timed mile, but the plaque filled to Mallard for the 1948 Locomotive Exchanges shows 126mph, which was the peak show on the chart recorded by the dynamometer car.
Mallard had been specially chosen for the attempt as it had been fitted with a Kylchap double exhaust and chimney from new - entering service during March 1938. It was crewed by its usual driver Joe Duddington and fireman Tom Bray.
This remains the world record for steam traction. Mallard has been preserved as part of the National Collection and is on display at the National Railway Museum, York. It has been cosmetically restored to its 1938 condition, but a lot of latter alterations remain. The tender now attached, although the right type, is one of the later batch built new for the A4s. Mallard's original tender came from class A3 No. 2746 Fairway which had 4' 3" handrails.
Print Number 1 Print 1/350 of Mallard will be allocated by draw. To be entered into it you will need to have ordered and paid for you print in the three weeks before publication. Advance orders will be taken from 1st February 2008. If you would like a reminder when advance orders are being taken let me know via the A4 print form. |
