The LNER Encyclopedia

Now, we all know that UK steam locos are restricted to 70mph and Tornado is 'allowed' to top 75mph, but has anyone been on a steam charter in the last four decades when a loco has reached say 80 or 90mph by accident or due to a driver's own cunning plan?

I would like to add that there is no need to discuss Blue Peter's disastrous 140mph wheelspin.

I cannot quote any authentic figures but I well remember a sparkling trip behind Black 5 5305.

The occasion was a Humberside Locomotive Preservation Group special from Hull to Ravenglass via Leeds & Carnforth around 1978/9.

5305 took the Leeds Carnforth & return legs & B1 1306 was on one of its fairly rare outings between Carnforth & Ravenglass.

Due to a verbal dispute between BR staff & a passenger (which I won't bore you with) on the return from Carnforth we left about an hour late. I believe that HLPG had a tame driver and he really got moving. After night fall the sparks were really flying out of the chimney. I suspect that we clocked mile after mile at 80+, arriving in Leeds only about 20 minutes late. The best rail journey I have ever had. Remember, back in those days all steam was restricted to 60 mph. I had a really stiff neck the following day due to hanging out of the window for most of the journey.

If anyone knows more details of this trip I would be very interested to here about them.

Ay up!

The speed depends on the loco and its driving wheel diameter. 53809 for example, was restricted to 45mph, most 60mph and only certain locos to 75mph, basically class 7 and above passenger engines provided the owning group agrees, although there are exceptions. I believe Ian Riley has 75mph on his Black 5s.

My 95mph run with 34092 was done in the days of a 60mph blanket restriction.