The Mallard

The Mallard was, and still is, the fastest steam locomotive in the world.

It was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, an engineering genius who had already produced a world-beater in The Flying Scotsman.

To Gresley it became a matter of national pride to break the record. He built and carefully prepared the streamlined Mallard – The Blue Streak – and finally, on 3 July 1938, Mallard reached a top speed of 126mph (202kmph), claiming an unassailable place in the railway hall of fame. Its record is unlikely ever to be challenged.

See http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/machines_and_engineering/industrialrevelations/vehicles/mallard_steam_train/index.shtml