Dwight D. Eisenhower locomotive returns to its roots

10:04am Friday 7th December 2012 in News

Ian Hewitt, of Heritage Painting, at work on the Dwight D Eisenhower in the workshop at the National Railway Museum Ian Hewitt, of Heritage Painting, at work on the Dwight D Eisenhower in the workshop at the National Railway Museum

An historic train has come home to Yorkshire after completing an epic Transatlantic voyage.

Doncaster-built Dwight D. Eisenhower, sister train to record-breaker Mallard, travelled thousands of miles after spending almost 40 years on American soil.

The train is currently being restored at York’s National Railway Museum in preparation for next year’s 75th anniversary of Mallard breaking the world speed record in 1938. All six surviving A4 locomotives will be displayed together – a sight never seen before.

Bob Gwynne, curator at the NRM, said: “Given Mallard’s status, it was only fitting that its sister locomotives enjoy some time in the spotlight after their historic homecoming.”

Mallard gained fame as a national icon after beating the speed record then set by Hitler’s Third Reich in 1936. The famous train retired in 1963.

Comments(3)

Ignatius Lumpopo says...
12:12pm Fri 7 Dec 12

Hitler's Third Reich didn't hold the world steam record previously: it was held by Deutsche Reichsbahn 4-6-4 locomotive 05 002. Unless you want to say the record was subsequently won by Neville Chamberlain's 4th National Ministry.

If the NRM could get 60008 back into steam, it could return to its 'routes', too.

Report this post »

Magicman! says...
3:42am Sat 8 Dec 12

Not likely, sadly. To be main line certified these locos would need two tone whistles like Tornado has, train protection warning systems, and a raft of other safety gear.

Report this post »

Toplinkdriver says...
8:24pm Sun 9 Dec 12

It is not a train, it is a locomotive and it is not "the" Dwight D Eisenhower as in the photo' caption it is simply Dwight D Eisenhower.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree