Image Licensing : King George V and North Star, 1927

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR, we are transported back to a momentous occasion in railway history. The year is 1927, and amidst a bustling Swindon worksite, an extraordinary sight unfolds before our eyes. High above the ground, suspended by cranes, two magnificent locomotives take center stage. On one side stands King George V himself, towering with regal elegance. His presence exudes power and authority as he prepares for an unprecedented journey across the Atlantic. Beside him rests the North Star - a replica broad gauge locomotive that embodies innovation and engineering excellence. This remarkable creation symbolizes both past glory and future possibilities for rail travel. The purpose of their preparation becomes clear; these majestic machines are destined for America's Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Centenary celebrations. Their voyage will not only commemorate a century of railroad achievements but also strengthen international ties between Britain and America. As we gaze at this awe-inspiring scene frozen in time, we can almost feel the anticipation vibrating through every rivet on these iron giants. It is a testament to human ingenuity that such marvels were created during this era. This print encapsulates not just a historical event but also captures the spirit of progress and collaboration that defined early 20th-century transportation. It serves as a reminder of how railways have connected nations while inspiring dreams of exploration and adventure across continents.