Great Western 4-6-0's at Work
There are some classes of locomotive about which everyone agrees and two of these the Great Western's "Castles" and "Kings" - rank among the most successful types of steam locomotive ever built.
After the First World War when the GWR's then Chief Mechanical Engineer, G.J. Churchward, designed his "Star" class which were to provide the basis for C.B. Collett, his successor, to produce in 1923 No 4073 Caerphilly Castle. 178 locomotives followed this first "Castle" over the next 28 years into service that was to last until the mid-1960s. Few other express passenger locomotive designs proved so durable and so adaptable, for the history of the "Castles" is one of the continued modification by both Collett and his successor F.W. Hawksworth.
The "King" class had a very similar lineage - although only 30 engines were constructed between 1927 and 1936. Few locomotives have enjoyed such popularity or have become legends in their own lifetime, in the way that the majestic "Kings" did.
Hardback with dust jacket, 23x30cm, pages, black & white illustrations
Condition: Good/Very Good with tear/repair to DJ
ISBN: 9781856482288
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Updated: 2 January 2025