the world speed record for steam locomotives at was achieved on 3 july 1938 by lner class a4 4468 mallard. taking place on the slight downwards grade of stoke bank south of grantham on the east coast main line, the highest speed was recorded at milepost 90¼, between little bytham and essendine. it broke the german (drg class 05) 002's 1936 record of 124 mph (200.4 km/h).