Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The epitome of express steam locomotion before the dawn of the 20th century was the Great Northern Railway's 4-2-2 Single locomotive designed by Patrick Stirling. Eventually becoming London, North Eastern (LNER), this engine was one of the first to haul the named express "The Flying Scotsman" before being retired for the Atlantics and then, most famously, by Sir Nigel Gresley's A1 4-6-2 pacific engines with the namesake 4472 "Flying Scotsman." All footage here is of GNR No.1, the only Stirling Single in preservation which happens to be part of the national collection at the National Railway Museum in York.
If you've ever wondered why engines from the past had such large driver wheels, it is rather simple: the larger the driver wheel's diameter the faster the theoretical speed. Furthermore, if you put the driving rod close to the axle, the more efficient the piston stroke is by having the wheel travel a considerable distance within one stroke. This is a magnificent engine that is a true example of brilliant English engineering. Hope you enjoy!
The epitome of express steam locomotion before the dawn of the 20th century was the Great Northern Railway's 4-2-2 Single locomotive designed by Patrick Stirling. Eventually becoming London, North Eastern (LNER), this engine was one of the first to haul the named express "The Flying Scotsman" before being retired for the Atlantics and then, most famously, by Sir Nigel Gresley's A1 4-6-2 pacific engines with the namesake 4472 "Flying Scotsman." All footage here is of GNR No.1, the only Stirling Single in preservation which happens to be part of the national collection at the National Railway Museum in York.
If you've ever wondered why engines from the past had such large driver wheels, it is rather simple: the larger the driver wheel's diameter the faster the theoretical speed. Furthermore, if you put the driving rod close to the axle, the more efficient the piston stroke is by having the wheel travel a considerable distance within one stroke. This is a magnificent engine that is a true example of brilliant English engineering. Hope you enjoy!
