Dwight D. Eisenhower.

We interrupt the 'War!' series to bring you this special blip. Gresley A4 Pacific class 'Dwight D. Eisenhower' in the great hall of The National Railway Museum, York where all six survivors of the class are reunited for a week as part of the 'Mallard 75' celebrations.
Dating from 1937, the loco was originally named 'Golden Shuttle' and used on 'The West Riding Express'. During WW2 it had the duty of hauling carriages used by supreme allied commander (later US president) Dwight D. Eisenhower; after whom it was renamed in 1945. After withdrawal by British Rail in the 1960's, the engine was scheduled like so many others to be scrapped. However the National Railroad Museum, in Wisconsin, USA heard about this and asked if they could have 'Dwight D. Eisenhower' due to its link with the famous man. BR agreed providing the museum paid all transport cost to get it across the Atlantic. Thankfully the deal was sealed and this fine A4 was saved, albeit abroad where it's usually displayed coupled to the former commander's carriages. Earlier in 2013, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of A4 pacific Mallard's steam speed record setting run the NRM repatriated 'Dwight D. Eisenhower' and sister loco 'Dominion of Canada' for a limited time so they could be displayed with their for comrades. As part of this arrangement, the NRM restored 'Dwight' to look as she had at the end of her working life. Originally they were gathered in July, then the ones still in steam went out on rail tour duties before they rejoined the static ones this weekend until next. In February the six will meet one final time at the NRM's site at Shildon (where I hope to be if possible). After that Dwight D. Eisenhower and 'Dominion of Canada' (which is usually resident in a Canadian railroad museum) will be sailed back to the Americas.