Image Licensing : No 6024 King Edward I

EDITORS COMMENTS

No. 6024 King Edward I, a majestic 4-6-0 King Class locomotive built in 1930, proudly stands at the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway (GWR). This iconic steam engine, named after King Edward I of England, is a testament to the rich railway heritage of the past. The King Class locomotives, designed by George Churchward and Charles Collett, were built between 1925 and 1930, with No. 6024 being one of the last ones produced. These engines were known for their power and efficiency, capable of hauling heavy express trains at high speeds. With their distinctive domeless boilers and large smokeboxes, they were a common sight on the GWR lines during the inter-war period. No. 6024 spent most of its working life on the main lines between London Paddington and the South West, including the famous Cornish Riviera Line. After retirement from regular service in the late 1960s, it was preserved for future generations to enjoy. Now, at the Steam Museum of the GWR, No. 6024 is meticulously maintained and occasionally steamed up for special events. Visitors can get up close and personal with this magnificent machine, learning about its history and the role it played in the development of the railway industry. The engine's powerful presence and intricate details, from the large wheels to the intricate valve gear, continue to inspire awe and admiration. The Steam Museum of the GWR is not just a place to learn about the history of the railway, but also a sanctuary for preserving and celebrating the engineering marvels of the past, like No. 6024 King Edward I.