The Great Central Railway (GCR) was formed in 1897, becoming the last steam mainline in the United Kingdom.
The entire line was built to accommodate a European standard gauge. This construction scheme was devised by chairman Sir Edward Watkin, who had envisioned his railway one day running under a channel tunnel to France, linking Britain with the continent, some 31 years before the channel tunnel was actually constructed. .
After its closure in 1966, it's currently Britain's only double track mainline heritage railway, with 5.25 miles (8.45 km) of working double track, period signalling, locomotives and rolling stock. It runs for 8.25 miles (13.28 km) in total from the large market town of Loughborough to a new terminus just north of Leicester.
BR ‘Blue King’ No.6023 King Edward 11.
Class 6000 4-6-0. Built between 1927-30
Collett design of which 30 were built.
In order shown below:
BR Blue King No. 6023 'King Edward 11' 017 approaching Swithland sidings.
The loco carries a ’017′ reporting number denoting the Bristolian, which the King hauled on Friday’s during the 1950′s.
BR Blue King No. 6023 'King Edward 11' 133 the ’133′ reporting number denoting a relief to the down Cornish Riveria express from Paddington to Penzance.
BR Blue King No. 6023 'King Edward 11' 017 passing Kinchley Lane.
