The UK is a true heavyweight when it comes to building steam trains.
It is renowned across the world for the iconic engines that have graced the rails and heralded in the golden age of steam. Right up until the day when the final steam train made way for the new electric versions, the models were continually popular. Nowadays enthusiasts from around the country come to marvel at the old engines when they are given a run out on the tracks.
Everything from special exhibitions to weekly designated journeys, the steam train will always be a popular sight in the UK.
Here are some of the most famous engines to ever grace the nation's railway network.
The Mallard
First built in Doncaster in 1938, this steam locomotive would go down in the record books and forever be remember in the railway world.
Mere months after it was introduced onto the tracks, The Mallard set a new steam locomotive world speed record by reaching 126 mph while racing down Stoke Bank. The record still stands today.
The majestic train is an unmistakable model with its streamlined design and striking blue coat drawing in tourists from all over the world.
2013 marks the 75th anniversary The Mallard smashed the world record and to celebrate this feat the National Railway Museum is holding a series of events to commemorate the achievement.
Flying Scotsman
Arguably the most famous train ever to grace the track, the Flying Scotsman was a pioneer of the late 1800s and put Great Britain on the map in terms of engineering.
During its heyday, it would shoot up the East Coast Main Line connecting London Kings Cross with Edinburgh Waverley station. The train had the ability to connect the English and Scottish capitals in just eight and a half hours.
Since its retirement in 1963, the engine has gone through a turbulent time and had to be saved from scrap and then returned to public ownership in 2004. It is currently being restored at the National Railway Museum.
Tees-Tyne Pullman
This train dominated the north-east of England and was an integral component of connecting the region to London. After first being introduced in 1948, it went on to patrol the East Coast Main Line ferrying passengers to the capital.
It was also the first British Pullman, aside from the Golden Arrow, that offered a bar carriage known as The Hadrian Bar.
The Tees-Tyne Pullman was withdrawn from service in 1976 following the introduction of the InterCity trains.
The Scarborough Flyer
One of a handful of trains that continues to run on a regular basis, this iconic engine is an unmistakable character with an emerald green coat and black frontage.
Visitors can spend the day on the train which travels from Crewe to Scarborough passing through picturesque Yorkshire dales and sleepy towns before reaching the sea on the east coast of country.
Cornish Riviera Express
Like the Scarborough Flyer, the Cornish Riviera Express still runs today with passengers being able to travel from London to Penzance.
However, unlike its northern counterpart it has been overtaken by an electric train. Originally introduced in 1904, the striking green and black steam engines would act as sleeper services setting out from the capital to the West Country.
The likes of Cornishman and the Flying Dutchman would regularly operate on the route.