Posts Tagged ‘Commemorative medal’
The Need for Speed: 5 Facts About The Mallard
When it comes to pushing the boundaries of engineering and speed, one name stands out above the rest in the annals of railway history – the Mallard.
This iconic steam locomotive holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and historians alike. Join us as we delve into the story of the Mallard and uncover five fascinating facts about this legendary machine.
Credit: G-13114 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Record Breaker
The year was 1938, and the quest for speed was on.
The Mallard took centre stage when on July 3rd of that year, it embarked on a mission to break the world speed record for steam locomotives.
Rocketing along the East Coast Main Line, near Grantham, the Mallard reached an incredible speed of 126mph, breaking the record previously held by Germany’s DRG’s Class 5 Locomotive that had reached 124.5mph in 1936.
And the Mallard’s world record still stands to this day.
A plaque has been mounted on its side to commemorate its historic achievement, proudly displaying its maximum speed of 126mph.
Credit: Alan Wilson at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Designed for Speed
The brainchild of Sir Nigel Gresley, the renowned chief mechanical engineer of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), the Mallard was built at the Doncaster Works.
Gresley incorporated several features to maximize speed, including a streamlined body and a three-cylinder design for greater power and efficiency.
A Train of Firsts
The Mallard was not only a speed demon but also a pioneer of innovative technologies.
It was the first locomotive to be fitted with a Kylchap double blastpipe and chimney, which significantly improved steam flow and enhanced performance.
Additionally, it was one of the first locomotives to be painted in the iconic LNER garter blue livery, making it instantly recognizable.
A Legacy Preserved
Today, the Mallard is part of the National Collection, residing in the National Railway Museum in York. Following a restoration project which brought the Mallard back to its former glory, the magnificent locomotive is a star attraction.
Credit: G-Man at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Links to Ornithology
Gresley had a keen interest in birds and birdwatching and as such many of the locomotives in the A4 class were named after birds.
Including the Mallard, Falcon, Golden Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Kingfisher, Wild Swan and Guillemot to name a few…
Yours FREE: The Mallard Commemorative
Today you can own the first issue in the British Railway Heritage Collection – The Mallard Commemorative – for FREE. You’ll only pay postage.
The Mallard Commemorative is the first in a collection celebrating Britain’s Railway Heritage – with each issue featuring an intricately illustrated locomotive from the annals of railway history.
By ordering your commemorative today, you have the chance to trial the British Railway Collection for FREE (+postage) with absolutely no obligation to continue collecting if you don’t want to.
Introductory Offer
The Mallard Commemorative is an Introductory Offer for the British Railway Heritage Collection. Each month, you’ll receive four commemoratives for £25.00 (+p&p). You’ll also receive your FREE Presentation Album to house your collection. You can cancel your subscription at anytime.
TROTTERS INDEPENDENT TRADING CO. SPECIAL – Brand new Only Fools and Horses Commemoratives released
On the 8th September 1981 over 9 million people sat down at their televisions to watch a brand new show called ‘Only Fools and Horses’. Little did we know that this show would one day become one of the top British television programmes of all-time.
Over a total of 10 years, 7 series, 64 episodes and 16 Christmas specials we followed the trials and tribulations of ambitious market trader Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter (played by David Jason) and his idealistic younger brother Rodney Trotter (played by Nicholas Lyndhurst) in their attempts to get rich! Supported by a cast of colourful characters including Grandad, Trigger, Boycie and Uncle Albert.
This time next year we’ll be millionaires…
No other TV show has influenced British culture as much. Critically and popularly acclaimed, the series received numerous awards. It was voted Britain’s Best Sitcom in 2004 and in a BBC poll Del Boy was ranked fourth on their list of the 100 Greatest TV Characters.
Its success spawned a successful spin-off series, ‘The Green Green Grass,’ a Sport Relief special episode guest starring David Beckham, and even a musical adaptation of the show was created which launched at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End!
The final episode in which the Trotters finally became millionaires was watched by 24.3 million viewers and holds the record for the highest UK audience for a sitcom episode.
So to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of Britain’s greatest TV shows a number of brand new officially licensed Only Fools and Horses Commemoratives have been released… ‘lovely jubbly’!
‘Triffic’ BRAND NEW Only Fools and Horses Commemorative Set
Officially licensed by the BBC each commemorative in this set has been struck to a proof-like finish and features a design of some of the most popular characters from the programme; including, Del Boy, Rodney Trotter, Boycie, Trigger, Grandad and Uncle Albert.
Limited to just 9,995 collectors worldwide, this is one of the only ways you can own all 7 commemoratives. They will arrive protectively sealed in an official presentation pack.
This complete set is a MUST-HAVE for any Only Fools and Horses Fan and is available for your collection today for JUST £39.99 (+p&p). Click here to secure yours >>
The Only Fools and Horses SUPERSIZE Commemorative!
This NEW Supersize Only Fools and Horses Commemorative has been expertly finished in antique silver and features a most intricate design of Britain’s most beloved three-wheel car – the Reliant Regal! It has then been carefully finished with the addition of vivid colour – to really bring the ‘Trotters Independent Trading Co.’ car to life!
But, JUST 995 will be released for collectors worldwide! That makes it 10 TIMES more limited than the complete commemorative set and therefore one of the most limited ways in which you can own a commemorative for the 40th Anniversary.
Arriving in a Deluxe Presentation Case with a Certificate of Authenticity, uniquely numbered with your place in the edition limit, this is the perfect way to remember such an iconic show. Click here to secure your SUPERSIZE Only Fools and Horses Commemorative now >>
Don’t miss out. As Del Boy would say, ‘He who dares, wins! He who hesitates…don’t.’
‘Bonjour.’
The Avro Lancaster – a historic, aeronautical icon…
The Avro Lancaster is one of the most well-known heavy bombers that participated in the Second World War, and is iconic when thinking about the contribution it had towards the Allies achieving victory over tyranny and persecution.
Out of the thousands that were built during wartime, only two Avro Lancaster’s exist today that are still airworthy – one of which is the Avro Lancaster PA474.
The Avro Lancaster PA474 was built in 1945 at the Vickers Armstrong Factory at Harwarden Airfield in Chester, and was originally used for strategic bombings in the Far East. After the war ended when Japan surrendered, the Lancaster PA474 was assigned to Photographic Reconnaissance duties in Africa, before being used as a pilotless drone, and even appeared in two iconic films – The Guns of Navarone and Operation Crossbow.
In 1973, this Lancaster was restored back to wartime standard and joined the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby (BBMF). The BBMF’s main purpose is to maintain the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition, in order to promote the modern day Air Force and to inspire future generations.
In 2015, the Avro Lancaster PA474 had an in-flight engine fire. The aluminium engine casing from this was then melted down, and sculpted into models of Lancaster planes, which you can now own in this historic commemorative…
The BRAND NEW Avro Lancaster Provenance Medal
Today, a small number of collectors have the chance to own a BRAND NEW Commemorative featuring an ACTUAL piece of the Avro Lancaster PA474 that flew during the war.
This incredible commemorative features an original piece of Avro Lancaster, hand-sculpted into the shape of a Lancaster and precision set into the deluxe SUPERSIZE 70mm Medal.
Just 250 lucky collectors will have the chance to own this special commemorative. The last Provenance medal featuring a piece of Hurricane SOLD OUT in a matter of weeks.
Click here to secure your Lancaster Commemorative while you still can!