Image Licensing : Loco staff cleaning No 6014 King Henry VII, c1930

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this evocative black-and-white photograph, a dedicated team of Loco staff is seen meticulously cleaning the iconic No. 6014 King Henry VII, a 4-6-0 King Class locomotive built in 1928 by the Great Western Railway (GWR). The locomotive, named after King Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, was one of the most powerful and elegant steam engines of its time. The scene unfolds at the Steam Museum of the GWR, where the locomotive is preserved, offering a glimpse into the past when steam trains ruled the rails. The staff, dressed in their traditional uniforms, are in the process of cleaning the engine's gleaming brasswork and polishing its shiny steel surfaces. Their focused expressions and diligent work ethic speak volumes about their pride in their craft and their commitment to preserving the heritage of the GWR. The King Class locomotives were renowned for their power, speed, and efficiency, and No. 6014 was no exception. It was built in 1928, during the golden age of steam, and saw active service until the late 1960s. This photograph captures a moment in time when the locomotive was still in its prime, and the staff were dedicated to ensuring that it looked its best, both for its own sake and for the enjoyment of the many passengers who would travel on its powerful engines. As the team works tirelessly to restore the locomotive to its former glory, the steam hisses and the clanking of metal echoes through the workshop, transporting us back to a bygone era when the rhythm of the railway was the heartbeat of the nation. This photograph is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Loco staff and the enduring allure of the steam engine.