The LNER Encyclopedia

I am in a discussion group and the query posed is what is the fastest recorded speed of a British steam locomotive on level track.

In the various books that I have read, speed records are invariably achieved downhill.

I wondered if anyone has any information about this?

Level track, for any significant distance is fairly rare but there is a good stretch on the ECML just north of York.

I am hoping to uphold the honour of the LNER, as I am the sole supporter in this group.

G'Day Gents

Isn't, York/Darlington stretch of track known as 'the racetrack', I have heard/read that Peppercorn A1's did very well on that bit of track and with 15 or more on, also Silver Link did very well on some level track on her debut, including a very fast ascent from KX to Potters Bar.

manna

That stretch was used to set the HST records. IIRC those records are still the official world diesel records, although more modern Spanish units (and probably others) claim faster speeds.

No specific records on the level, but 2750 Papyrus, seems to have the record for round trips: http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r070.html. There's probably more elsewhere.

Peter