Image Licensing : No 6000 King George V and North Star outside Swindon Works, June 1927

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print captures a momentous occasion in the history of railway transportation. In June 1927, at the iconic Swindon Works, two magnificent locomotives stand side by side, ready to embark on an extraordinary journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The imposing figure of No 6000 King George V, a powerful and majestic 4-6-0 King class locomotive, stands tall next to its companion, the elegant 2-2-2 broad gauge locomotive named North Star. These remarkable machines were destined for a new adventure in the United States of America as they prepared to be transported to their new home on the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. This photograph serves as a testament to both engineering prowess and international collaboration during this era. The image showcases not only these impressive locomotives but also highlights Swindon's significant role in shaping railway history. As part of STEAM Museum of GWR's collection, it offers us a glimpse into an era when steam power reigned supreme and railways connected nations. In this particular snapshot frozen in time, we witness the anticipation surrounding these mechanical marvels before they embarked on their transatlantic voyage. It is through such historical artifacts that we can appreciate how technology transcends borders and leaves an indelible mark on our collective memory.