cant find the place to upload the photo!
On 3 July 2013, Mallard steam engine (class A4, 4-6-2) celebrates 75 years since achieving the officiated world speed record of 126 mph. However, the Milwaukee Road had the fastest scheduled steam-powered passenger trains in the world exceeding a required speed of 120mph.
I have heard that those Milwaukee Road engines were well capable of exceeding 120 mph. That said, the key word here is "Official" and the mallard was hand fired as well!
There were many steam locomotives that ran at high speed, in order to keep a timetable schedule, making up time or just to see how fast they could go. Mallard was set up for the record attempt, with officially-certified timing devices and independent observers looking on. (To see what's required, check with the people who compile the Guinness Book of Records.)
NYC 999, the MILW locos and a N&W J being tested by the Pennsy got well into the 100+ mph realm, and continued to run, undamaged, until they reached their next scheduled overhaul. Mallard overheated the inside main rod bearing, which froze and immobilized her the next time she came to a stop. Sort of like Sir Malcolm Donald Campbell's Bluebird, which was traveling at world record speed when it disintegrated in a cloud of flying water and debris.
At least the driver and fireman survived Mallard's mechanical failure. Donald Campbell - didn't.
Chuck
A number of years back there was a story in Trains Magazine about an unofficial, very high speed run with a Pennsy Duplex.
Sir Malcolm Campbell was fortunate enough to die of natural causes. It was his son, Donald Campbell, who was killed when the "Bluebird KN7" got airborne, did a flip and disintegrated when it hit the surface of Coniston Water.
CSSHEGEWISCH Sir Malcolm Campbell was fortunate enough to die of natural causes. It was his son, Donald Campbell, who was killed when the "Bluebird KN7" got airborne, did a flip and disintegrated when it hit the surface of Coniston Water.
Thanks for the correction. A tragedy in either case.
Considering that even mediocre turboprop commuter planes can easily reach HSR plus speed, the quest for faster rail vehicles is of questionable worth at best. IMHO, the way to go is civilian Ospreys now, and underground tubeways when we verify a valid need.
(But I would have loved to be behind a J at 110 mph...)
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