Hello Lists-
I have been asked to gather more information about the
historical steam engine the "Dwight D. Eisenhower."
During the war it was code-named the 'Bayonet.' It is
currently under the care of the National Railway
Museum in Green Bay, WI. They do not know much about
the history of the train and would like everyone's
help.
A picture can be found here:
http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org/tour-b.htm
Here is a quick synopsis of the train:
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY #60008, THE "DWIGHT D.
EISENHOWER" 4-6-2 Pacific Type/Class: A-4
This graceful steam locomotive was built in England in
1937 as No. 4496, the "Golden Shuttle," one of 35
Class A4 Pacifies for the LNER. The bolt holes for the
original raised stainless steel numbers can still be
seen on the cab sides. As the streamlined shape and
80" drivers suggest, these locomotives were extremely
fast. A sister locomotive, the "Mallard," holds the
world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 miles
per hour.
Originally, the "Golden Shuttle" was painted bright
garter blue with dark red wheels. During W.W.II, all
British locomotives lost their colorful paint schemes
under a coat of black. In September of 1945, the
"Golden Shuttle" became the first locomotive to be
repainted in the pre-war scheme and was renamed the
"Dwight D. Eisenhower" to honor the General for his
service as Supreme Allied Commander during the war. In
1951, it received its present British Railways green
color scheme.
The "Dwight D. Eisenhower" was acquired by the
National Railroad Museum in 1964 and dedicated in a
ceremony attended by former President Eisenhower. As
stated in his remarks, "the locomotive stands as a
testament to the cooperation between two great nations
in a time of national and world crisis."
Thanks,
Robert Buettner
Appleton, WI
'43 WC-63
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