| On offer at 25% discount - limited to current stocks Widely portrayed as ‘mission impossible' when rescued from the Woodham Bros' scrapyard at Barry in 1973, GWR ‘King' class No 6024 King Edward 1 proved the pundits wrong when, after almost two decades of fund-raising and restoration, the locomotive returned in triumph to the main line in 1990. Since the first runs, over the relatively short distance from Tyseley to Stratford-upon-Avon, in April 1990, the Locomotive has travelled far and wide over the national network, taking the class to parts of the country, such as Carlisle, where the ‘Kings' were unheard of prior to their withdrawal in the early 1960s. As with all preservation, however the story has not always been a smooth 1; for example, a close encounter with a bridge on the approaches to Paddington station could have turned into a serious accident had it not been for the quick thinking of the crew. Over the years, with modifications based upon operational experience and changing regulations, No 6024 has proved itself to be one of the most popular and reliable steam locomotives permitted to operate over the main line. In 2005 the locomotive celebrated its 75th birthday and it has now been in preservation longer than it was owned by either the GWR or BR. In the capable hands of the 6024 Preservation Society Ltd, the locomotive is destined to remain at the forefront of steam operation for many years to come. Compiled by Tim Watson, editor of the 6024 Society's magazine Kings Messenger, this book is a glorious pictorial tribute to the class in general and to No 6024 in particular. Drawing upon the work of a number of excellent railway photographers, the book recalls many of the great occasions on which the locomotive has operated on the main line. Organised along the basis of a day in the life of No 6024, the superb pictorial content records scenes from the locomotives operational career, from the early morning through to the end of the day. Apart from the fine pictorial content, the book also includes a detailed narrative of the history of the class and of No 6024's preservation. Also featured is a full diary recording all of the trains operated by No 6024 on the main line since the locomotives return in April 1990. Contents:
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Background History
- Horses for Courses
- Driving and Firing
- Postwar developments and on British Railways
- Withdrawal and Restoration
- 1990 to 1995, overhaul and back to the privatised railway
- Height Modifications
- 1996 – 2002
- 2004 to Date
- Guest Appearances
- The 6024 Preservation Society Ltd
- The Day’s Work
- Diary of Events
- Conclusion
Continent: Europe
Country: UK |
