![IMG_2977[1]](https://swd.news/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_29771.jpg "Former Kings Cross Shedmaster Peter Townend with the Dominion of Canada.")
A former Kings Cross Shedmaster has made a 700 mile round-trip to say goodbye to Mallard’s sister locomotives. Eighty-nine year-old Peter Townend was Shedmaster at London Kings Cross from 1956-1961 and was allocated Mallard and her two transatlantic travelling sisters, Dwight D Eisenhower and Dominion of Canada, in their ‘heyday’. He visited Locomotion on Wednesday 9th April, travelling from his home in Torquay, to say a final farewell to the two transatlantic locomotives before they leave the UK.
Peter’s name is well-known to rail enthusiasts – having been responsible during his long railway career for as many as 19 locomotives including the Flying Scotsman, Green Arrow and Bill Smith’s J52. He is the author of a number of books including ‘Top Shed’ and recently ‘LNER Pacifics Remembered’.
Peter commented, “An early memory was to see the Silver Jubilee pass through Doncaster on its inaugural down run. I started my career in 1941 and retired from the railways in 1984. I have seen the A4s as they were built and have ridden on them since the 1940s. At Kings Cross I had 19 of them allocated, including the two from America/Canada. I wanted to come and see them on display for a final time and it has been great seeing them today”.
The two transatlantic engines can be seen at the museum until 21st April.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
