Image Licensing : No 111 The Great Bear, passing Twyford c1920

EDITORS COMMENTS

Captured in a moment frozen in time, this remarkable print showcases the awe-inspiring power and grandeur of No 111 'The Great Bear' as it majestically passes through Twyford circa 1920. This iconic 4-6-2 Pacific Locomotive, built back in 1908, was truly a marvel of engineering during its heyday on the Great Western Railway (GWR). With its sleek design and unparalleled performance, 'The Great Bear' symbolized the epitome of steam locomotion. As we delve into the history behind this magnificent machine, we discover that despite being withdrawn from service in 1924, it would later be reborn as something equally extraordinary. Transformed into a formidable 4-6-0 Viscount Churchill locomotive, named after none other than Sir Winston Churchill himself, this mighty engine continued to serve with distinction. This image not only pays homage to GWR's golden era but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. It reminds us of an era when railways were at the forefront of technological advancement and represented progress on an unprecedented scale. Now housed within STEAM Museum – home to countless relics from GWR's illustrious past – this print allows us to step back in time and immerse ourselves in the glory days of steam travel. Soak up every detail: from the billowing clouds of smoke trailing behind 'The Great Bear, ' to its gleaming metallic exterior that once commanded attention.