Image Licensing : Locomotive No. 6014, King Henry VII, at Swindon Works

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative photograph captures the majesty of Locomotive No. 6014, King Henry VII, as it undergoes streamlining at Swindon Works in 1936. The 4-6-0 King Class locomotive, named after King Henry VII of England, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Great Western Railway (GWR). King Henry VII was one of the last broad gauge locomotives built by the GWR before the transition to standard gauge. Streamlining was a relatively new innovation in railway engineering at the time, and the application of this technology to a locomotive of such size and power was a significant achievement. The sleek, aerodynamic design was intended to reduce wind resistance and improve efficiency, making the locomotive more powerful and faster. The photograph also offers a fascinating glimpse into the working environment of Swindon Works, the largest railway works in the world at the time. The hustle and bustle of the shop floor is evident, with workers in their overalls going about their tasks, and the raw materials and machinery that were essential to the production of locomotives. In the background, the broad gauge locomotive North Star can be seen. A striking contrast to the streamlined King Henry VII, North Star represents an earlier era in railway history. The co-existence of these two locomotives in the same workshop underscores the rapid pace of technological change in the railway industry during this period. This photograph is a reminder of the rich history of railway engineering and innovation, and the pivotal role that Swindon Works played in shaping that history. It is a fitting addition to the collection of the STEAM Museum of the GWR, which preserves and celebrates the stories and artefacts of the Great Western Railway.