Was always a big fan of the 'R' class operated by Vic rail, mostly in the '50's and '60's. Used to know a chap who was one of the few left that was rated to operate them back in the day and he swore black and blue that they'd touch a 100MPH (using the old terminology) on the long straight stretches between Bendigo and Melbourne.
Watching, feeling and listening to an R class run past you at something approaching full tilt is something to behold. A magnificent piece of machinery.