Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:32:34-2:32:46

Why an unofficial Union Pacific 844 speed claim needs evidence

The unsupported claim that Union Pacific 844 reached 140 mph is doubtful because an American world-speed record would probably have been documented.

Lner Class A4 MallardRailway HistorySource CriticismSpeed RecordsSteam LocomotivesUnion Pacific 844
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Question

How credible is the claim that Union Pacific 844 unofficially reached 140 mph, compared with Mallard's 126 mph record?

Short answer

The claim is doubtful because a genuine American world-speed record would probably have been carefully documented and publicised.

Notes

An unofficial 140 mph claim for Union Pacific 844 is contrasted with Mallard's recorded 126 mph run. An achievement of that magnitude would be unlikely to pass without a formal record. Strong American interest in world speed records would give operators every reason to document and publicise the result. This does not prove that the run never occurred, but it explains why the unsupported claim deserves caution.