Image Licensing : No 92220 Evening Star naming ceremony, 18th March 1960

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative photograph captures the essence of a bygone era in railway history, as the 2-10-0 9F class locomotive No. 92220, named "Evening Star," is officially unveiled during its naming ceremony on 18th March 1960, at Swindon Works. The Evening Star was the last mainline steam locomotive to be built in Britain, marking the end of an era for steam power on the rails. Surrounded by a sea of curious onlookers, including railway employees, local dignitaries, and enthusiasts, the locomotive stands proudly in the foreground, adorned with its freshly applied livery and the distinctive nameplate bearing the moniker "Evening Star." The atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation, as the crowd eagerly awaits the moment when the locomotive will be officially named and blessed for service. Swindon Works, a hive of activity and innovation during the golden age of steam, is the backdrop for this historic occasion. The vast expanse of the works' yard stretches out behind the locomotive, filled with steam engines of all shapes and sizes, each with their own stories to tell. The smoke and steam rising from the chimneys of the nearby sheds add to the sense of industry and progress that defined the railway scene of the time. The Evening Star would go on to serve faithfully on the British Railways network until its withdrawal in 1965. Today, this photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the rich history and heritage of steam railways, and the sense of community and tradition that surrounded their construction and operation.