On 3 July 1938 steam locomotive Mallard set a world speed record of 126 mph that still stands today. It is only now, nearly 70 years later, that this speed is being regularly exceeded by more modern electric trains. To celebrate this historic anniversary Steam Dreams will run a special two day steam hauled excursion on the weekend of 5 and 6 July 2008 from London to Edinburgh and return.

This unique train will be hauled by three A4 class locomotives of the same streamlined design as Mallard. Covering nearly 800 miles in the two days, the tour is named the ?Coronation? after the original service which was hauled by A4 class locomotives between London and Edinburgh from 1937 to 1939. The 'Coronation' was the ultimate in luxury with levels of service second to none: it included not only a restaurant car but also an onboard barber and a cinema! Sadly these trains were never revived in the more austere period after the War.

A highlight of the trip in July 2008 will be a stop in York where Mallard is now based, telling the story of high speed steam to future generations. Along with the other three UK based A4 locomotives (Bittern, Union of South Africa and Sir Nigel Gresley) Mallard will feature in an historic line up at the National Railway Museum . As an added attraction, throughout the weekend three A4s will be on display, Mallard plus the two locomotives not working the train at that particular time.

Subject to confirmation the rostered arrangments will be for 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley to depart Kings Cross hauling the train to York. After a break to view the line up the train will be taken forward to Edinburgh by 60009 Union of South Africa. The return will be hauled as far as York by Union of South Africa where 60019 Bittern will be waiting to take over for the journey back to London.

An added attraction will be the presence of Britain?s newest steam locomotive Tornado, scheduled for completion in 2008. It is the first express steam engine to be built in 50 years securing the future of express steam in the UK.

For this unique tour our standard range of classes is available. Standard class seats are available at ?195.00 and First Class non-dining seats are available at ?295.00. Premier Dining seats are available at ?395.00 and Pullman Class at ?495.00. For further details of our classes please click here.

The Coronation Trip has now sold out however a waiting list is being taken. Please contact the booking office by email or telephone.

As an added option Steam Dreams has organised hotel accommodation in Edinburgh for which there are three options.

• Accommodation rated at 2-star is available Bed and Breakfast for single occupancy at a price of ?50 per person.
• 3-star accommodation on a twin room basis is available at ?100 per room Bed and Breakfast based on two people sharing.
• 4-star accommodation available in either twin or double is available at ?140 per room Bed and Breakfast based on two people sharing.

The above rates include transfers where necessary. Passengers are of course able make their own arrangements for accommodation in Edinburgh.