Great Western King Class 0s: The Largest and Most Powerful 4-6-0s in the World

Great Western, King Class 4-6-0s: From Construction to Withdrawal (Locomotive Portfolios)

by David Maidment

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	127043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Great Western King Class 0s were a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotives designed by G.J. Churchward for the Great Western Railway (GWR) of Great Britain. They were the largest and most powerful 4-6-0s in the world at the time of their , and they remained in service for over 50 years.

The King Class 0s were built between 1902 and 1925, and a total of 73 locomotives were constructed. They were used on express passenger services on the GWR's main lines, and they were known for their speed and reliability. The King Class 0s were also used on royal trains, and they were often used to haul the British Royal Family on their travels.

The King Class 0s were a very successful design, and they were one of the most popular steam locomotives ever built. They were known for their strength, reliability, and speed, and they were a favorite of both railway enthusiasts and the general public.

Today, only a few King Class 0s locomotives remain in existence. One of these locomotives, No. 6023 King Edward II, is preserved at the National Railway Museum in York, England. No. 6023 is the only King Class 0s locomotive that is still operational, and it is occasionally used on special rail tours.

Design

The King Class 0s locomotives were designed by G.J. Churchward, who was the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the GWR from 1902 to 1921. The King Class 0s were based on the earlier City Class locomotives, but they were larger and more powerful. The King Class 0s had a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement, with two leading wheels, six driving wheels, and one trailing wheel. The driving wheels were 8 feet 6 inches in diameter, and the trailing wheel was 5 feet 2 inches in diameter.

The King Class 0s locomotives were fitted with a Belpaire firebox, which was a type of firebox that was designed to increase the efficiency of the boiler. The Belpaire firebox was also fitted with a brick arch, which helped to deflect the hot gases from the fire and increase the heat transfer to the boiler water.

The King Class 0s locomotives were also fitted with a superheater, which was a device that heated the steam before it entered the cylinders. The superheater helped to increase the efficiency of the locomotive and reduce its fuel consumption.

Performance

The King Class 0s locomotives were the largest and most powerful 4-6-0s in the world at the time of their . They were capable of hauling heavy trains at high speeds, and they were known for their reliability. The King Class 0s locomotives were also very economical to operate, and they were a favorite of the GWR.

The King Class 0s locomotives were used on express passenger services on the GWR's main lines. They were also used on royal trains, and they were often used to haul the British Royal Family on their travels.

Legacy

The King Class 0s locomotives were a very successful design, and they were one of the most popular steam locomotives ever built. They were known for their strength, reliability, and speed, and they were a favorite of both railway enthusiasts and the general public.

Today, only a few King Class 0s locomotives remain in existence. One of these locomotives, No. 6023 King Edward II, is preserved at the National Railway Museum in York, England. No. 6023 is the only King Class 0s locomotive that is still operational, and it is occasionally used on special rail tours.

The Great Western King Class 0s locomotives were a remarkable feat of engineering. They were the largest and most powerful 4-6-0s in the world at the time of their , and they remained in service for over 50 years. The King Class 0s locomotives were a favorite of both railway enthusiasts and the general public, and they played an important role in the history of British railways.

Great Western, King Class 4-6-0s: From Construction to Withdrawal (Locomotive Portfolios)

by David Maidment

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	127043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE