60007 Sir Nigel Gresley

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is a preserved LNER Class A4 steam locomotive, part of the streamlined A4 class designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern Railway. Built in 1938, it is one of the class famous for high-speed express services and distinctive aerodynamic casing.

Key facts:

• Class: LNER Class A4

• Designer: Sir Nigel Gresley

• Built: 1938

• Original number: 4498 (later 60007 under British Railways)

• Name: Sir Nigel Gresley, named after the designer

• Type: 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive

• Preservation: Restored and maintained in preservation; has operated on mainline excursions and heritage railways

Notable features:

• Streamlined casing for reduced air resistance at speed

• High-pressure boiler and three-cylinder layout typical of Gresley’s express designs

• Iconic Art Deco appearance associated with A4s such as Mallard and Bittern

Historical notes:

• The A4s were introduced for high-speed passenger services, including the Silver Jubilee and other prestige expresses.

• Mallard, a sister A4, holds the world steam speed record; Sir Nigel Gresley shares the same class heritage and engineering lineage.

• Numbering changed from LNER 4498 to BR 60007 after nationalisation.

Preservation and operations:

• Sir Nigel Gresley has been restored to running condition in preservation and has appeared on mainline railtours and at heritage events.

• As with other A4s, ongoing maintenance preserves its historical and engineering significance.

This locomotive remains an important example of pre-war British steam locomotive design and the legacy of Sir Nigel Gresley.