GWR 6000 Class 6000 King George V

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As presently displayed as a static exhibit in Swindon 'Steam' Railway Museum

Great Western Railway (GWR) 6000 Class 6000 King George V is a preserved British steam locomotive.

The locomotive was the first of the King Class, and was built in June 1927. It was shipped to the United States in August 1927 to feature in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's centenary celebrations. During the celebrations it was presented with a bell and a plaque, and these are carried to this day. This led to it being affectionately known as "The Bell".

The bell carries the inscription:

Presented to Locomotive King George V by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in commemoration of its centenary celebration Sept 24th - Oct 15th 1927

After returning from the U.S. it was allocated to Old Oak Common. In 1940 it was damaged during an incident at Norton Fitzwarren but was soon repaired, to be moved to Bristol in 1950. It was subsequently allocated to Old Oak Common again in 1959, to be withdrawn by the Western Region of British Railways in December 1962 after covering 1,910,424 miles.

The locomotive was officially preserved, being restored to mainline running order and based at Bulmer's Railway Centre in Hereford. Its restoration to mainline service and subsequent operation is often credited for the opening the door for the return of steam to the mainline of the UK. After years of running, a costly overhaul was declined due to other members of the class being restored for operation. 6000 is currently displayed at Swindon 'Steam' Railway Museum.

[edit] Gallery

6000 King George V at Swindon having just hauled the last King-hauled train from Wolverhampton and Birmingham Snow Hill in 1962	As a static exhibit in Swindon 'Steam' Railway Museum	Closeup of the bell	Nameplate
Part of the backhead	AutoCAD drawing of a Great Western King Locomotive