The 2009 reincarnation of Duchess of Hamilton as a 1930s streamliner, featured at length in last month's issue, is but one chapter in the illustrious history of this iconic machine. Since emerging new from Crewe Works in 1938, the 'Princess Coronation' Pacific has achieved fame in many different ways to become one of the best-knowi and best-loved locomotives in world history.rnDesigned by LMS chief mechanical engineer William Stanier as one of a fleet of engines intended for hauling the company's prestigious 'Coronation Scot' expresses, No. 6229 cost the then princely sum of £11,700 to build (including tender) and made the short journey to its first home shed, Crewe North, or September 7, entering traffic three days later.rnThe London to Scotland route had always been the source of bitter competition between the LNER and LMS, with the East Coast competitor well ahead by the mid-1930s, having introduced the non-stop 'Flying Scotsman' in 1928, followed by its first streamlined A4 services in 1935. However, its intention to launch a high-speed London to Edinburgh train in 1937 - King George VI's Coronation year - finally galvanised the LMS.
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