"Sir Nigel Gresley": The Blue Streak Runs Again...

Though when anyone talks about a famous steam engine they always land on either Thomas the Tank or "Flying Scotsman", really the household name should be "Mallard". "Mallard" of course was one of Sir Nigel Gresley's A4 pacifics, built between 1935 & 1938, eventually numbering 35 examples. "Mallard" herself of course still holds the world speed record for steam traction, having achieved 126mph on July 3rd 1938. However, though "Mallard" holds the overall record, it's interesting to note that sister "Sir Nigel Gresley" (of course named after her builder) is the post war record holder for steam, having achieved 112mph on May 23rd 1959, ironically working a passenger special rather than a dyno train! Where am I going with this? Well, today we were graced with the brief presence of 1937-built No4498 "Sir Nigel Gresley" (BR number 60007) as she passed by our depot with a Southall-bound ECS working.

Running on time, the A4 looked a picture as she coasted through Northampton's north junction with a shining rake of freshly painted blood & custard coaches. On the tail of the long train was the trusty Class 47, no doubt providing some insurance. I last saw this A4 in 2022, when she worked through the same location as train engine for Black Five No45231. Back then she was wearing wartime black but has since been repainted into the more familiar BR express blue. Apart from the irritating lineside bush that seems to find its way into all of my pictures, it was pleasant to briefly snap the A4 as she sauntered by us, bound for London. She'll be working a York job tomorrow before returning to her base at Crewe on Sunday. A very colourful and historic old engine. Cheers all and thanks for reading as always, Sam...

Please note that the above image was taken from land outside of the NR boundary fence.