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I know of nothing as
exciting as travelling at high speed behind a steam locomotive. Whilst a
climb to Shap, Stoke, Dainton, or Honiton, summits with a heavy train
might require a higher output from the locomotive, it cannot compete
with the possibility of "doing a ton".
I have never actually reached 100 mph behind steam, but in the late 1950's and early 1960's,
I have come pretty close. In more recent times, in what is known as the
"Main Line Steam" era, high speeds have been less frequent by
the imposition of firstly, a 60mph speed limit, and more recently, a 75
mph speed limit. The highest speed I travelled at in the 60 mph era
was 86 mph, and the highest speed I know of during the same period was
93 mph (Bullied Unrebuilt Light Pacific). In the 75 mph era, I have in
fact travelled at 85 mph, but it would be irresponsible of me to
disclose the details. The highest speed I know of is 95 mph or 96 mph depending on who you
talk to. Again, no details.
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