The Power of the Kings Author:Laurence Waters In this new volume in the ever popular "Power of" series, the majestic 'King' class 4-6-0s are given the royal treatment. The largest locomotives ever constructed for use on the GWR, they were named after the kings of England, and the first honoured the reigning monarch, King George V, with others taking the names of previous rulers. Designed by... more » Collett, 30 examples were developed to haul the company's top-link expresses over the main lines to Birmingham and the northwest, and to Exeter, Bristol and Plymouth. Due to weight restrictions the type was confined to the main lines only, and when constructed, the Kings represented the most powerful locomotives ever built for use on Britain's railways. The first of the class, Number 6000 King George V, was completed in 1927 and was almost immediately shipped across to North America, where it took part in the centenary celebrations of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In honour of these celebrations the locomotive was fitted with a unique brass bell which it retained through to withdrawal and preservation. The 'King' class remained in service until a mass withdrawal in 1962, due to the dieselisation of the Western Region. Number 6000 was claimed for the National Collection, whilst two further examples, Number 6023 and 6024, were subsequently rescued from the Barry scrap yard. Written by esteemed author Laurence Waters, this new title explores the class in depth, and is supplemented by a fine collection of images capturing the locomotives in their many guises throughout their career. This book will be an ideal source of information for anyone wanting to learn about these famous engines.« less