Atlantic : The Well Beloved Engine

Atlantic is the story of the 4-4-2 design from its first uses to the end of steam. From its introduction in America to its eventual use in every continent, the 4-4-2 or 'Atlantic', as it was to become, was responsible for one of the biggest changes in both passenger and freight travel.

As developments in railway technology took off in the 1860s and 1870s, so a new class of locomotive was born, and one that was to have an impact the world over. From its introduction in America to its eventual use in every continent, the 4-4-2 or 'Atlantic', as it was to become, was responsible for one of the biggest changes to the way we travelled. Used equally as a freight and as a passenger locomotive, its main benefits were its stability during high speed running and its power and economy. Many different designs were built to suit local conditions in all climates and areas and the Atlantic was a ubiquitous sight on all major railway networks for a long period. Some of the greatest manufacturers and locomotive designers created Atlantic Masterpieces, including the Ivatt Atlantics for the Great Northern Railway and those by Reid for the North British.