6023 King Edward 11

Do I not recall a Jubilee was also painted in blue - 45694 Bellerophon seems to spring to mind but I can't remember which photo book it was in

 

I believe that was during the experimental period, when all manner of weird and wonderful things happened - black, light blue, dark blue, purple, malachite green, apple green you name it!

The light blue, dark green, lined black, unlined black was standardised shortly after - but then of course light blue only lasted a couple of years.

 

None of the A2s ever had the express passenger blue. The only other ex-LNER engine class missed off that list is the lone A1/1, which did have the blue, alongside the Peppercorn A1s, Gresley A4s and A3 Pacifics.

So the list is actually:

Kings
Merchant Navy
Duchesses
Princesses
A1/1
A1s
A3s
A4s

The Jubilee which was painted blue was not painted as the above were, in BR days - it was an experimental shade given to it in LMS days.

 

I was back at Didcot today driving.... oooooh, ahhh, it looks pretty now it's lined and "lion"ed. Back into the works I believe for some finishing touches ready for the launch.

 

This was how he looked today.

 

That is majestic. Which seems very appropriate under the circumstances!

 

That looks even better than I thought it would, and that's saying something!

 

Stunning! Very regal, and what a shine. Looking forward to seeing this in steam. Will be a stunner and a half.

 

Well there you go! I've said all along that everyone will think that this loco will look tremendous in BR blue. I think it looks drop-dead gorgeous (if you can say that about a steam loco!)

 

She look's stunning and a true testament to the word preservation.....beautiful

 

Nick,

Excellent shots. Much appreciate the update photos. Would be interesting to stand 6000 alongside her now!

Many thanks,

Ray

 

if anything i think that blue suits an GWR King better than the later green the shade of green used to my eye drabs down the loco where as this blue just shows how handsome the kings are , and im a southern fan now if only BR had settled on malachite instead of the GWR green that would also have looked great, any vivid colour brings out the sheer size of a large express locomotive

 

WOW WOW WOW - Druelling all over my desk - has has already been said - looks even better than I imagined it would... looking forward to 1st weekend in April now If it sounds as good as it looks we're all in for 1 hell of a treat!!

 

Out of interest, has it been decided how long 6023 will carry this stunning livery? I love it, don't get me wrong, but I am looking forward to seeing GWR Green on a King as well!

 

With you on that Martin!

(Although I've put my tin hat on before saying that!)

It would be something to see this lined up with SNG one day, and perhaps 60163 in the blue too. It's such an under rated livery, so few have worn it, and I think I am right in saying this will be the only ex-GWR loco to wear it in preservation to date, with none of the ex-LMS pacifics wearing it thus far (or as it looks like, likely to).

 

Indeed Wow, great kudos to everyone at Didcot for getting her there.

My only complaint is that my first chance to see her in person is so far off!!! Is it September 23rd yet????

 

Those pictures show her (him??) looking awesome. Just one question, are the smokebox and wheels going to be done too? Or were they always grey?

 

Smokebox matt black and wheels gloss black as per other GWR (WR) locomotives after the Edwardian era I believe. This locomotive looks so good that it really should sit right in the middle of the NRM York but, if that was the case it would a. never be seen in steam and b. it would put that apple green pacific that everyone harps on about to shame (humour, attempt at.) and no, I don't mean 60163!

 

She looks stunning. A great well done to all who have worked on her, and to those who were willing to dig into their wallets to bring this "no hoper" back to life.

 

I'll second and third that one mate !!! I cant wait for 2nd April and the Easter Steam Days with 6024 ! What about for GWS 50 6000 + 6023 + 6024 outside the Running Shed 'Swindon 8 Style'

Great Western - Marc.