Image Licensing : AE Erecting Shop, c1927

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph captures the essence of the Swindon Works AE Erecting Shop during the construction of a King class locomotive in 1927. The King class, also known as the 6000 Class, was a significant locomotive design produced by the Great Western Railway (GWR) between 1924 and 1930. In the foreground of the image, we see a team of skilled workers meticulously assembling the locomotive's massive components. The intricate details of the engineering process are on full display, with various parts such as the boiler, frames, and wheels being carefully positioned and secured. The workers' concentration and focus are palpable, as they understand the importance of their role in creating a machine that would soon be powering trains across the GWR network. The AE Erecting Shop, named after the late Assistant Chief Mechanical Engineer, Adam Beck, was a critical part of the Swindon Works. It was where the final assembly of the locomotives took place, and this photograph offers a rare glimpse into the complex and intricate process. The large, open space of the shop allowed for the efficient assembly of the locomotives, with cranes and hoists visible in the background ready to move heavy components into place. The King class locomotive was a technological marvel of its time, and the construction process was a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the GWR workforce. This photograph provides a fascinating insight into the world of steam locomotive engineering and the dedication of the men and women who brought these magnificent machines to life.