49) Indeed, for many years to come British Railways will have to depend mainly on the steam locomotive. Whether it’s intended for shunting or hauling goods trains, or for passenger expresses, as this one is, the steam loco is still a satisfactory piece of mechanism, and it is as fast as any rival form of traction. This particular engine is called Mallard. In 1938 it set up a world speed record of 126 miles an hour – and that’s fast enough for any loco to travel. Incidentally, this picture was taken at Exeter during the 1948 locomotive exchanges when engines were tried out away from their usual territory – in the case of Mallard on the main line from King’s Cross to the North. The results of these tests will help in designing the dozen or so standard locomotives I have already told you about.

Passenger trains are usually thought of as the spectacular part of railway working.