Scots Mallard workers for largest train gathering

SCOTS who worked on the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Mallard, are to take part in the largest ever train crew gathering on Saturday at the National Railway Museum in York.

The steam locomotive Mallard is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Picture: Getty

Drivers and firemen from the former Haymarket shed in Edinburgh will join more than 90 others to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the locomotive reaching its unsurpassed record 126 mph in 1938.

Mallard and its five surviving sister engines, which ran between Edinburgh and London until 1963, have been brought together for the occasion, with two being loaned from North America.

They were designed by Edinburgh-born Sir Nigel Gresley, who also designed the locomotive Flying Scotsman.

Harry Knox, from Linlithgow, who worked on the Gresley A4 locomotives in the late 1950s, will give a talk about his experiences.

Museum associate curator Bob Gwynne said: “Mallard is quite the celebrity in its big anniversary year, so when we announced we were actively searching for drivers and other crew of A4 locomotives from the 1950s and 60s we received an incredible response.

“This must be one of the biggest get-togethers of steam loco crew in recent times.”