Image Licensing : AE Erecting Shop, 1927

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph captures the momentous occasion of the AE Erecting Shop in Swindon, where the first batch of King class locomotives were being brought to life in 1927. The King class, also known as the 6000 Class, was a significant development in railway engineering, marking the pinnacle of steam locomotive technology at the time. The image reveals a bustling scene of workers in various stages of constructing these engineering marvels. In the foreground, a King class locomotive frame is being fitted with its massive wheels, while in the background, other frames are being assembled and prepared for the next stages of construction. The intricate details of the machinery and the intense focus of the workers convey the immense effort and expertise required to build these locomotives. The AE Erecting Shop was a critical component of the Great Western Railway's (GWR) Swindon Works, which was renowned for its innovative design and manufacturing processes. The shop was named after Sir Daniel Gooch, the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the GWR at the time, who oversaw the development of the King class locomotives. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the engineers and workers who labored in the AE Erecting Shop. It offers a glimpse into the past, when steam power ruled the rails and the construction of a locomotive was a true engineering feat. The King class locomotives went on to become iconic symbols of the GWR's legacy and a source of pride for railway enthusiasts around the world.