Image Licensing : 47xx class locomotive, No. 4707, at Stoke Gifford, 1960

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative photograph captures the powerful presence of Great Western Railway (GWR) 47xx Class locomotive No. 4707 as it stands proudly at Stoke Gifford in 1960. The 2-8-0 'mixed traffic' locomotive, also known as the 'Night Owls,' was a common sight on the rails during the British Railways era. Built in April 1923 at Swindon Works, this locomotive was part of a large fleet of 470 locomotives that were designed to handle a variety of freight and passenger trains. With its distinctive round-cab design and large chimney, No. 4707 exudes an air of power and reliability. The 'Night Owls' earned their name due to their distinctive black livery and the fact that they were often used for late-night and early-morning services. Their large boilers and powerful engines enabled them to tackle the steep gradients and heavy loads that were common on the GWR network. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, capturing a moment in time when steam power was still the backbone of the railway network. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, when trains were the primary mode of transport for people and goods, and the sound of a steam locomotive was a familiar and comforting sound in the countryside. The STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway is home to a number of preserved 47xx Class locomotives, including No. 4707, which is a popular attraction for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Visitors can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era, as they explore the museum's collection of steam engines, carriages, and other railway memorabilia.