The newly-restored sister of the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Mallard, has joined the record breaker to take pride of place in York, writes Naomi Nightingale.
The Dwight D Eisenhower has been unveiled to the public at the National Railway Museum (NRM) following its return to the UK in October last year.
The restoration of the transatlantic traveller attracted support from The Friends of the National Railway Museum which donated £50,000.
The Doncaster-built locomotive was given to the US when it was re-named after one of its presidents.
Upon its return to the UK it received a makeover by the experts at Lancashire-based Heritage Painting.
Chris Beet, engineering and rail operation manager, said: “After a long restoration process it is amazing to see it in the light of day.”
Christopher Jones, treasurer of The Friends of The National Railway Museum, said: “When the project began we thought it was just a pipe dream but we agreed to support it from the start.”
Of the 35 locomotives made in the 1930s only six remain. In July all six will be displayed together – a sight never seen before – to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Mallard’s world-breaking speed record (126mph) in 1938.
The line-up will include the Dominion of Canada which is also undergoing restoration.
The full display will be open to the public in early July.
Bob Gwyne, associate curator of railway vehicles at the NRM, said: “The display is a celebration of British engineering from the golden age of steam.”
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