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The ton-up tortoise. Macwattie became the fastest tortoise in Britain on Monday (6-5-74
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The ton-up tortoise. Macwattie became the fastest tortoise in Britain on Monday (6-5-74
The ton-up tortoise. Macwattie became the fastest tortoise in Britain on Monday (6-5-74) when he covered the 401 miles from Glasgow, Scotland, to London, in just five hours, reaching speeds of over 100 mph. Needless to say Macwattie, pictured on the track at Londons Euston Station after his arrival, didn t make the trip under his own steam. He was a passenger on the inaugural run of the Royal Scot, one of British Rails new " Electric Scots" trains. Complete electrification of the route has just been finished, and the new trains, which started service on Monday, are lopping an hour off the previous journey time for the West Coast main line. Macwattie the tortoise was being delivered to Chessington Zoo, Surrey. After his high speed run to London, Macwittie the tortoise tests his own speed on the welded track used by the new Electric Scots. May 1974 P000726
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Mirrorpix
England
Media ID 21370975
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The Ton-Up Tortoise - Macwattie's Unforgettable Journey
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In a remarkable feat that left the nation in awe, Macwattie, the adventurous tortoise, etched his name into British history on that fateful Monday in 1974. With an indomitable spirit and a little help from modern technology, he became the fastest tortoise in Britain by covering an astonishing 401 miles from Glasgow to London in just five hours. Captured forever on film is Macwattie basking proudly on the track at London's Euston Station after his triumphant arrival. However, it must be clarified that this incredible journey was not accomplished under his own steam. Instead, our brave reptilian friend hitched a ride aboard the inaugural run of British Rail's revolutionary "Electric Scots" trains. The completion of full electrification along this route marked a new era for railway travel and shaved off a precious hour from previous journey times on the West Coast main line. As part of this momentous occasion, Macwattie was being transported to Chessington Zoo in Surrey where he would find his new home. After experiencing such exhilarating speeds during his train ride to London, our intrepid hero couldn't resist testing out his newfound velocity on the welded tracks used by these cutting-edge locomotives. This heartwarming photograph captures both humor and charm as it immortalizes Macwattie's extraordinary adventure through time. A testament to determination and innovation alike, it serves as a reminder that even seemingly slow creatures can achieve great feats when given the chance.
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