WHAT ABOUT 'EISENHOWER'?

There is less concern, and likelihood of disposal, for Dominion of Canada’s North American counterpart,

No. 60008 Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Jacqueline Frank, executive director for the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, told Steam Railway: “The Eisenhower locomotive is truly a key piece within our collection, not only because it is a sister to the world steam speed record-setting Mallard and its unique technology, but because of its shared history with the United Kingdom, and a partnership that is still important to the citizens of the United States.”

She added: “Since its return to the National Railroad Museum, we restored two passenger cars that were used as General Eisenhower’s staff trains, including one that contained his sleeping quarters and a modified space for meetings.

“These two cars had been donated in the late 1960s. While 60008 was in the National Railway Museum’s care, we completed a restoration that brought both cars back to the cosmetic look they had during the war. One of these cars was also plated with metal to simulate the armour that was used to protect the passengers on this train during that time.

“When the ‘Eisenhower’ returned to the States, the train comprised all three pieces of rolling stock, and was put on display in the climate-controlled Lenfestey Center.

“The display includes an exhibit about the importance of the UK and US alliance during the war, and we bring guided tours through all of these pieces on a daily basis. In fact, we have just designed a new experiential tour that defines not only the importance of the ‘A4’ locomotive and passenger cars, but discusses the loan to the National Railway Museum and all that went into it.”