Image Licensing : 7 King Class Locomotives at Swindon Shed, 1930

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph, taken at Swindon Shed in 1930, showcases an impressive line-up of seven King Class locomotives. From left to right, the engines bear the regal names King George II (No. 6005), King James II (No. 6008), King Edward IV (No. 6017), King Henry IV (No. 6020), King Edward III (No. 6022), King Edward II (No. 6023), and King Edward I (No. 6024). Swindon Shed, located at Swindon Works in Wiltshire, England, was a significant hub for the Great Western Railway (GWR) during the 1930s. This is evident in this photograph, which captures the grandeur and scale of steam locomotive engineering during that era. The King Class locomotives, also known as the 4-6-0 Class, were designed and built at Swindon Works between 1921 and 1927. These powerful engines were renowned for their efficiency and reliability, making them a staple of the GWR fleet. Each engine was named after a British monarch, reflecting the pride and tradition that went into their creation. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing these magnificent machines in their natural habitat – the engine shed. The steam engines, with their polished brass and gleaming metalwork, stand proudly against the brick backdrop of the shed, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the era. This photograph is a treasure trove of railway history, transporting us back in time to an age of steam power and engineering excellence. The King Class locomotives at Swindon Shed in 1930 represent a bygone era, a time when the railway was the lifeblood of transportation and the epitome of British industrial prowess.