A row of LNER streamlined locomotives belch out smoke at a London railway station, where they are to be tested out. From the left, they are Dominion of New Zealand, Golden Shuttle, Empire of India, Golden Eagle and Number 10,000 R. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 1937

Passengers in the spacious lounge car on the new streamlined diesel train “Green Diamond”, introduced by the Illinois Central System to run fast services between Chicago and Illinois. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). Circa 1935

Self-propelled and streamlined passenger cars of the George Bennie Railplane system in Glasgow. (Photo by J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 4th July 1930

Cleaning the express locomotive “Earl Haig” at the Neasden loco sheds of the LNER (London and North Eastern Railway). (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 8th September 1932

A Great Western Railways streamlined train under construction at the Swindon Works. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). June 1935

“Silver Link”, the new LNER streamlined express train. (Photo by J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 14th September 1935

Five of the new streamlined trains being introduced by the Santa Fe Railway to run between Chicago and Los Angeles as part of the largest streamlined fleet in the world. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 11th March 1938

The new streamlined 20th Century Ltd. locomotive, designed by Henry Dreyfuss, which runs between New York and Chicago. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 23rd June 1938

France’s latest streamlined train seen from above to emphasise the striking design. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). April 1935

A line of unusual streamlined railcars ordered by GWR at Southall . (Photo by Hudson/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 13th January 1936

The streamlined class A4 Pacific locomotive “Dominion of Canada” seen at King’s Cross, London, equipped with a locomotive bell of the standard type used in Canada. The bell completes the all-Canadian equipment of the locomotive. (Photo by Gerry Cranham/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 17th March 1937

London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) streamlined locomotives during a performance test in London. From left, Dominion of New Zealand, Golden Shuttle, Empire of India, Golden Eagle and No. 10,000. (Photo by Harry Todd/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 30th November 1937

The sleek Coronation Scot 4-6-8 locomotive at Crewe. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). May 1937

An electric locomotive on the Newcastle Quayside. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1924

A new soundproofed and air-conditioned London and North Eastern Railway train at a quayside station in Harwich, Essex. (Photo by J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 6th October 1938

The new LMS streamlined locomotive “Duchess of Gloucester” leaves Euston Station in London on her first long distance journey. She is transporting fifteen German railway experts to a summer meeting of the Institute of Locomotive Engineers in Glasgow. (Photo by H. F. Davis/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 8th June 1938

Two men driving an old 250-ton steam engine admire the new 135-ton streamlined Cornish Riviera Express engine on the track beside them. (Photo by PNA Rota/Getty Images). December 1933

Silver Link, the new LNER streamlined engine, at King’s Cross Station in London, September 1935. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)