Sir Nigel Gresley, a Glorious sight  . LNER A4 Pacific , Number 60007  Steams through Hadley North tunnel in the early summer of 1951 with an express train .

Built at the Doncaster Works ,these powerful locomotives were streamlined for speed , and used for the faster express services along the London North Eastern Railway . ‘Mallard ‘ number 4468 , the sister of ‘Sir Nigel Gresley ‘, broke the Speed record for steam powered transport . Her Maximum speed was 112mph , which she achieved in 1959 as a Post War speed record from 3 cylinders which gave her a unique exhaust sound . Sir Nigel Gresley was the 100th Gresley Pacific to be built .She was originally numbered 4498 .

In my painting I have shown her at speed on the mainline in her BR Blue Livery .  I personally think this was her best looking livery. Certainly her most striking colour .

She had several liveries through her years and I hope I have the information correct  . When released to traffic in 1937 she was in her LNER Garter Blue . In 1942 During the war she was painted Wartime Black with LNER markings .The next repaint in 1943 was Black with NE markings . In 1947 after the war she regained her Garter Blue with Red and White lining .When British Railways formed she was painted BR dark Blue with Black and White lining in 1950 .( My choice for the Painting). Her next colour change was in 1952 I believe when she was BR Brunswick Green . In her current preservation she has regained her BR Blue .

I have spoken with Sir Nigel Gresley Preservation . From all sales , from this painting I will be donating a percentage to them towards her current overhaul . It is hoped that they will have her back on the mainline in all her glory once completed .