Accolade for iconic Mallard steam loco
The Shropshire grandson of the designer of the iconic Mallard steam locomotive today spoke of his pride at collecting a major new accolade for the engine.
The Engineering Heritage Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers was presented to Tim Godfrey on the anniversary of the death of Sir Nigel Gresley and in the 75th anniversary year of Mallard setting a still unbroken speed record for a steam locomotive of 126mph.
The event took place at the National Railway Museum at York, where Mallard is displayed.
Mr Godfrey, of Lower Hopstone, Claverley, Sir Nigel's eldest grandson, said: "It was an event to present and fix a plaque on to Mallard as an example of British ingenuity at its very best.
"It means an extraordinary amount. I'm very honoured to be related to such an eminent person.
"The only other past prizewinners have been the E-Type Jaguar, Tower Bridge and the Vulcan bomber."
Sir Nigel died in April 1941, but Mr Godfrey has some childhood memories of him, and also heard the stories about him that his mother used to tell.
"He used to live at Salisbury Hall in Hertfordshire, which had a moat, and he started a collection of wildfowl – wild ducks and so on – that he was very keen on," he said. "Some of his locomotives were named after them."
John Wood, chairman of the IME's engineering heritage committee, said: "Sir Nigel Gresley showed extraordinary ambition and vision in designing this locomotive and it is testament to the work of the National Railway Museum that this awe-inspiring locomotive remains in such excellent condition."
