Sir Nigel Gresley was named after its famous creator, as it was the 100th locomotive he built. On beginning service in 1937, the engine was based at King's Cross and worked on the East Coast Main Line for most of its working life. On the creation of British Rail in 1948, the locomotive was re-numbered 60007, from its original LNER number, 4498.
Like its fellow A4 Class member Mallard, Sir Nigel Gresley holds a speed record. Reaching 112mph with a train full of passengers on 23rd May 1959, this was certified as the fastest speed achieved by a steam engine in the post-war period.
Withdrawn by British Rail in 1966, the engine was saved by the A4 Preservation Society almost immediately. Sir Nigel Gresley now runs with its original LNER Number on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.