First, I have listened to presentations from the T1 Trust at the PRRT&HS convention, and beating the OFFICIAL Mallard record was stated more than once as an objective.
However, there is an UN-official story that a PRR E2 atlantic actually ran 127 mph on the Ft Wayne Division. This was not sanctioned or officially witnessed and recorded. There are many references to this speed run.
As for the T1, I don't think it is right loco to build, and this is just my opinion. It is too big and therefore restricted in where it can run as mentioned above. But more me, it represents a very small part of PRR history, or steam loco history. I would rather see a new K4 or M1 or M1A built. The K4s were originally put in service in 1918 I think and some ran until the end of steam in 1957. That is 39 years of service! That is a good design. The M1s entered service in 1928 and some ran until 1957 also, or 29 years of service. The T1 was late in Steam developement and I think only lasted about 5 years in service. So to represent the steam era and well designed locos by the Pennsy, I think the K4 or M1/M1a are better candidates.
