GWR King locomotive

The GWR King Class (Great Western Railway King Class) is a series of high-powered and prestigious steam locomotives that operated in the United Kingdom during the 20th century. They were built for the Great Western Railway (GWR) in the 1920s and 1930s, and are considered one of the most iconic and powerful locomotives ever built for the British railroad.

These locomotives had a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement, meaning they had four front wheels for steering and traction, followed by six driving wheels, and no guide wheels. This gave them great traction capability and stability on the tracks.

The King Class was designed for long-distance passenger express services, such as the famous "The Cornish Riviera Express" train, which connected London with the southwest of England. They were known for their fast performance and ability to maintain high speeds over long hauls.

The King Class locomotive was also noted for its distinctive design, with a large boiler and wide carriage, as well as distinctive decorative details, such as its famous dark green and gold paintwork, and its numbered plate on the front of the locomotive.

Although steam locomotives were gradually withdrawn from service in the UK as the 20th century progressed, some King Class locomotives have been preserved and restored, and can be found in operation on heritage railroads and on special occasions in the UK. The GWR King Class remains an iconic symbol of British railroads and an attraction for enthusiasts and tourists alike.