From The Hindu Archives, April 16, 1926: Efficiency of British railways

Rugby, April 15.: A large party of American hotel proprietors, who are now in England on the first stage of their European tour, are finding much to say in praise of British railways. Last night they travelled 189 miles from Manchester to London in 3¼ hours. The train at times reached a speed of 83 miles per hour and 60 miles per hour was averaged throughout the journey. A few days ago their journey from Plymouth to Paddington of 227 miles in a train weighing 273 tons in 2 hours 33 minutes, although beneath the record for the line, was a surprise to them.

It is explained that the high speed of British expresses, coupled with immunity from accidents, is mainly attributable to the quality of the rolling stock and of the permanent way. The Americans appear particularly impressed by the smooth running of the British trains.