Image Licensing : No 3440 City of Truro at Westbourne Terrace, London

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph captures the majestic No. 3440 City of Truro, a 4-4-0 City class locomotive, proudly standing at Westbourne Terrace in London. Built in 1903, this steam engine was a testament to the engineering prowess of its time. With its polished brass fittings, gleaming copper boiler, and intricate details, No. 3440 was a sight to behold. The City class locomotives, of which No. 3440 is a part, were designed for express passenger trains on the Great Western Railway (GWR). They were known for their power and efficiency, capable of reaching impressive speeds for the era. The City class engines were also notable for their distinctive chimneys, which were designed to reduce smoke emissions and improve visibility for the crew. No. 3440, named after the historic city of Truro in Cornwall, would have made numerous journeys between London and the south-west of England. The photograph captures a moment in time when steam power was still the backbone of the railway network. The steam age was coming to an end, but engines like No. 3440 continued to serve faithfully, carrying passengers and freight across the country. Today, No. 3440 is preserved at the Steam Museum of the GWR, where it is a popular attraction for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum offers a unique insight into the history of the Great Western Railway and the role steam locomotives played in shaping the transport landscape of the 20th century.