Image Licensing : No 40, North Star, c1909

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print showcases the majestic No 40, North Star locomotive in all its glory. Built in 1906, this remarkable Star Class locomotive is seen here with a distinctive 4-6-0 wheel arrangement. However, what makes this particular image even more intriguing is the fact that it captures a significant moment in history - the transition of its wheel arrangement from 4-4-2 to 4-6-0 in 1909. The No 40 locomotive holds an important place in railway history as it was renumbered as No 4000 in the year 1912. This change reflects not only its growing significance but also highlights how advancements and developments were constantly taking place within the world of steam engines during this era. Preserved at the STEAM Museum of GWR (Great Western Railway), this print provides a glimpse into the past and allows us to appreciate both the engineering marvels and aesthetic beauty of these magnificent machines. The intricate details captured by this image serve as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication put into creating such masterpieces. As we admire this photograph, let us immerse ourselves in nostalgia for an era when steam locomotives like No 40, North Star ruled supreme on railways across Britain. It serves as a reminder of our rich industrial heritage and ignites our curiosity about how these powerful engines shaped transportation history.