Description

Ever since their spectacular entry into service in September 1935, the charismatic ‘A4s’ have been at the forefront of thousands of railfans’ affections.

They reigned supreme on the East Coast Main Line for more than 25 years, from the days of Gershwin through to the time of the Beatles and, because of their distinctive shape, are instantly and widely recognised.

Produced with the full co-operation of the National Railway Museum and presented by Nigel Harris, Steam Railway’s Managing Editor, the fascinating story and development of Sir Nigel Gresley’s famous ‘A4’ class is dramatically told.

This exciting DVD features rare archive film material plus outstanding contemporary footage highlighting the surviving ‘A4s’ in action on many main line rail tours and private railways.

Topics include:

– The design and development of the ‘A4s’ and the pre-Nationalisation race for streamlined dominance.

– Mallard – the story of the legendary record breaker and holder of the world steam record of 126 miles per hour, achieved in July, 1938.

– Plus a unique view of the LNER dynamometer car used during the record breaking run.

– Archive film of virtually every ‘A4’ in action, including their famous Indian Summer in Scotland before withdrawal.

– Union of South Africa’s historic return to King’s Cross on Steam Railway magazine’s ‘Elizabethan’ run in October, 1994.

– Superb contemporary action shots of Union of South Africa, Sir Nigel Gresley and Mallard on rail tours and private steam railways.