Gauge 3 (2.5") GWR King Class

Features & Specifications

• Choice of GWR green, BR blue or BR lined green.
• 950mm Length including tender.
• Silver soldered copper boiler.
• Gas fired, ceramic burner.
• Walschaerts valve gear.
• Etched brass body.
• Lubricator.
• Sprung axles.
• Cylinder drain cocks.
• Hand-pump and axle pump.
• 4 working cylinders.
• Reverser.

About this model

British Live Steam is the exclusive distributor for Silver Crest Models which has been building Gauge 3 live steam models since its formation in 2010. By the time the King is delivered we will have delivered over 550 models in Gauge 3.

This experience is your guarantee of quality. A gauge 3 model runs on 2.5" gauge track and is built to a near exact scale of 1/22.5 (G-scale). Gauge 3 is the UK's largest scenic model railway gauge.

This 4 cylinder, gas-fired, live steam locomotive represents excellent value. Whether you are inclined to collect and showcase your models, or run with a rake of scale coaches on your very own garden railway, the King Class fits the bill. It is a handsome display model and one capable of pulling substantial loads around your track.

The model comes complete with a silver soldered copper boiler, hydraulically tested to twice working pressure. All boilers are supplied with a manufacturer's shell test certificate. As testament to our confidence in the models we provide a full 12 months warranty on every product. We've presently booked sufficient factory capacity for the manufacture of just 50 models. Order reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. We are pleased to offer a choice of names and liveries.

The GWR King Class

Designed by C.B.Collett the King Class was introduced in 1927. Regional railway companies were very conscious of their image and actively sought to win the publicity war against their rivals.

The introduction of the King, with its 40,000lb tractive effort, allowed GWR to trumpet once again that they possessed the most powerful locomotives in Britain. During development Chief Mechanical Engineer Collett requested an increase in the 20 to axle loading limit to 22.5 tons so that he could build a larger engine.

This was agreed and work was commenced by the Civil Engineer to strengthen bridges along the West of England line. The weight of the King did, however, initially restrict it to just three routes, Paddington/Plymouth, Paddington/Bristol and Paddington/Birmingham. Additional routes were added in BR days.

The Kings always headed the most prestigious trains until their withdrawal in 1962. A variety of liveries were carried including GWR green, BR blue and BR lined green.