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Nigel Gresley standing alongside his A4 class steam engine
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Nigel Gresley standing alongside his A4 class steam engine
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Media ID 23817313
© The Institution of Mechanical Engineers/Mary Evans
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph, Sir Nigel Gresley, one of the most renowned figures in the history of British railway engineering, stands proudly beside his masterpiece, the A4 class steam locomotive. The image captures the essence of an era when steam power ruled the rails and the art of locomotive design reached new heights. The A4 class, also known as the "Silver Arrows," was a series of streamlined express passenger locomotives built between 1935 and 1938 by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). Gresley, the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS from 1923 to 1941, was responsible for the design and development of these iconic engines. Gresley's innovative design incorporated a number of features that set the A4s apart from their contemporaries. The locomotives boasted a streamlined body, which not only improved their aerodynamic efficiency but also gave them a sleek and elegant appearance. The A4s were also the first British locomotives to be fitted with a Belpaire firebox, which provided a more efficient combustion process and increased steam output. The photograph shows Gresley in his element, surrounded by the mechanical marvel that he had brought to life. His expression suggests a sense of pride and satisfaction, as he stands next to the engine that would go on to set new speed records on the British railway network. The A4s reached a top speed of 114.76 mph (184.5 km/h) in 1938, a record that stood for over 30 years. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of Sir Nigel Gresley and the golden age of steam rail travel. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era, when the roar of a steam engine and the hiss of escaping steam were the soundtrack to the British railway landscape.
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