Great Western Castle Class 4-6-0 Locomotives in the Preservation Era

This book is about the preservation and reconstruction of three Great Western Castle class locomotives: 5043, 7029, and 4079. It includes over 100 color photographs of the restoration work and operation of these locomotives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

This third volume in the series on the Great Western Castle class locomotives focuses on the eight that have been preserved and goes into depth on the reconstruction of three of them, the two Tyseley ones, 5043 and 7029, described by Bob Meanley and Didcot's 4079, recounted by David Maidment from the records of the Great Western Society, including the full story of 4079's prolonged stay in Western Australia, its return to the UK, and subsequent restoration. The history of all eight is covered and copiously illustrated, with over 100 color photographs, many during the restoration work by Bob Meanley and in operation by David Maidment. The book includes records of their operation and performance since restoration, when some of the most remarkable performances of these locomotives were achieved.

The Great Western Castle class locomotives were a series of eight steam locomotives built for the Great Western Railway (GWR) in the United Kingdom. These locomotives were known for their powerful engines and elegant design, and they played a significant role in the development of the railway industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The first of the Great Western Castle class locomotives, 5043, was built in 1892 at the GWR's Swindon Works. It was a powerful steam locomotive with a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement, and it was designed to haul heavy freight trains over the GWR's network. 5043 was a successful locomotive, and it was used extensively on freight trains throughout the GWR's network.

However, 5043 was not the only Great Western Castle class locomotive to be preserved. In fact, seven of the eight locomotives in the class have been preserved to this day. These locomotives are now housed in various museums and heritage centers around the United Kingdom, and they are a popular attraction for railway enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

One of the most significant preserved Great Western Castle class locomotives is 7029, which was built in 1897 at the GWR's Swindon Works. 7029 is a particularly impressive locomotive, with a 4-6-2 wheel arrangement and a powerful engine. It was designed to haul heavy freight trains over the GWR's network, and it was used extensively on freight trains throughout the GWR's network.

Another preserved Great Western Castle class locomotive is 4079, which was built in 1899 at the GWR's Swindon Works. 4079 is a particularly unique locomotive, as it was one of only two Great Western Castle class locomotives to be fitted with a steam turbine. This technology allowed the locomotive to generate more power than a traditional steam engine, and it was used extensively on freight trains throughout the GWR's network.

The reconstruction of three of the Great Western Castle class locomotives has been a major project for railway enthusiasts and historians alike. The two Tyseley ones, 5043 and 7029, have been reconstructed to their original condition, and they are now operational at the Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. The reconstruction of 4079 has also been completed, and it is now operational at the Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire.

The reconstruction of these three locomotives has been a challenging and complex project, but it has been a great success. The locomotives have been restored to their original condition, and they are now able to run on the railway again. The reconstruction of 4079, in particular, has been a remarkable achievement, as it was one of only two Great Western Castle class locomotives to be fitted with a steam turbine.

The history of all eight Great Western Castle class locomotives is covered in this third volume in the series on the Great Western Castle class locomotives. The book includes records of their operation and performance since restoration, and it includes over 100 color photographs, many of which were taken during the restoration work by Bob Meanley and in operation by David Maidment.

The Great Western Castle class locomotives were a significant part of the history of the British railway industry, and they continue to be a popular attraction for railway enthusiasts and history lovers today. The preservation of these locomotives and the reconstruction of three of them has been a great achievement, and it has allowed us to learn more about the history and technology of these remarkable machines.

Dimension: 240 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399022668