There were few more distinctive locomotives ever built in Britain than the 'A4' Pacifics and interest in the class is seemingly inexhaustible. Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, the 35 members of the 'A4' class of Pacific locomotive built for the London North Eastern Railway are amongst the most iconic locomotives ever constructed in Britain.


With their streamlined lines, the new locomotives epitomized the styling of the 1930s when they were introduced to the East Coast main line and brought a revolution in speed to services between London and the West Riding, the North-East and Scotland. One of the class - No 4468 Mallard - has an additional claim to fame: in July 1938, Mallard broke the speed record for a steam locomotive, held by a German design set two years earlier, achieving 126 mph on Stoker Bank and is a record that still stands today.


Published to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the record run on 3rd July 1938, Mallard and the A4 Class is a primarily pictorial tribute to Mallard, in particular, but also covers the rest of the class. Incorporating over 160 mono and color illustrations, the book explores the origins and operational record of the locomotives both in LNER/BR service and in preservation.


Compiled by David McIntosh, a professional railwayman whose involvement in the operation of preserved steam on the main line gives him a unique perspective on the class, the book is a vivid portrait to some of the best-loved locomotives ever built in Britain. This book is certain to appeal to all those with an interest in the history of LNER locomotive design as well as all those who are fascinated by, perhaps, the greatest class of steam locomotive ever to grace Britain's main lines.