Image Licensing : No 6027, King Richard I, 1937

EDITORS COMMENTS

No. 6027, King Richard I, is a magnificent 4-6-0 King Class locomotive that once graced the rails of the Great Western Railway (GWR). This iconic steam engine, built in 1937, is seen here in its prime on the down Riviera line at Reading West. The King Class locomotives, also known as the "Grandees," were the largest and most powerful express passenger engines in GWR's fleet. No. 6027, named after King Richard I of England, was one of 32 engines in the class that bore the name of a monarch. The engine's impressive size and power were essential for pulling the heavy express trains that traveled between London Paddington and the southwest of England, including the popular Riviera Line. The photograph captures the King Richard I in its element, with its distinctive domeless boiler, large driving wheels, and elegant curves. The engine's black livery, with red and gold lining, gleams in the sunlight, adding to its regal appearance. The steam plume rising from the chimney and the billowing exhaust add a sense of motion and energy to the scene. The King Class locomotives were retired from service in the late 1960s, marking the end of an era in railway history. Today, No. 6027 is preserved at the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, where it is a popular attraction for steam railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the steam age. This photograph is a testament to the enduring appeal of steam locomotives like No. 6027, King Richard I, and the important role they played in the history of the Great Western Railway.