LNER A4 4-6-2 pacific locomotive 2509 Silver Link on the Silver Jubilee high speed train
In 1934 a series of trials were carried out by the LNER to confirm that a modified A3 design would be sufficient for a high-speed train. During these, A1 Flying Scotsman broke 100mph, and A3 Papyrus managed average speeds almost as fast as Fliegende Hamburger but with a larger coach capacity! On this latter run, Papyrus managed to set a speed record of 108mph. With these trials under his belt, the LNER Board gave Gresley the go-ahead to create the "Silver Jubilee" streamlined trains. The resulting "Silver Jubilee" was designed as a complete streamlined train including streamlined coaches. These had valences between the bogies and flexible covers over the coach ends. Although this restricted their use, it maximised the streamlining effects and proved useful for publicity! The train had capacity for 198 passengers on 7 coaches: twin-articulated brake third, triple-articulated restaurant set, and a twin-articulated first class. The wedge-shaped streamlining on the A4 was inspired by a Bugatti rail-car which Gresley had observed in France. The design was refined with the help of Prof. Dalby and the wind tunnel facilities at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) at Teddington. As well as streamlining, it was important that the design lifted smoke up away from the cab. A demonstration run from Kings Cross to Grantham on 27th September 1935 touched The first service was on the 1st October 1935, hauled by No. 2509 Silver Link. A further three locomotives were built for the Silver Jubilee service to Newcastle. This service was a great success cutting the travel time between Kings Cross and Newcastle down to an amazing 4 hours. This success led to an extension of the service to Edinburgh, and the building of a further five A4s. By 1937, a third service to Leeds & Bradford had commenced. And thus, Britain's first inter-city network of fast train services was born.
Size: 2523px × 1803px
Location: Unknown
Photo credit: © Digbydachshund / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 2509, 4-6-2, a4, articulated, carriages, gresley, high, jubilee, link, lner, locomotive, nigel, pacific, silver, speed, train
