'Simmering City Slicker'
In 2010 as part of the celebrations to mark the 175th Anniversary of the Great Western Railway (GWR), Churchward designed "City" Class 4-4-0 No. 3717 City of Truro appeared at many GWR Galas.
It's pictured here, simmering between duties, at the Great Western Society's Didcot Railway Centre during their May 2010 Anniversary Event. In partial shot, behind, is GWR Collett designed "Castle" 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 No. 5051 Earl Bathurst.
3717 was one of 10 constructed in 1903 and the 2,000th locomotive to be built at Swindon works. All were named after Cities on the GWR system.
It's most famous though for being the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded exceeding 100mph when on a Plymouth to Paddington run in 1904. It was withdrawn in 1931 and earmarked for preservation.
In 1957 it again re-entered service - initially re-numbered as 3440. I first saw it as a child in 1958 at Hitchin on the East Coast Main Line when 'Double Heading' a special with Midland Railway Compound Class 4P 4-4-0 No. 1000. Thereafter when its boiler ticket expired, it again became a static exhibit.
In 2004, after undergoing a further complete overhaul, it re-entered active service for the final time - thereafter in 2013 again becoming a static exhibit.
Currently, it's on display at "Steam" - Museum of the Great Western Railway - Swindon.
'Simmering City Slicker'
In 2010 as part of the celebrations to mark the 175th Anniversary of the Great Western Railway (GWR), Churchward designed "City" Class 4-4-0 No. 3717 City of Truro appeared at many GWR Galas.
It's pictured here, simmering between duties, at the Great Western Society's Didcot Railway Centre during their May 2010 Anniversary Event. In partial shot, behind, is GWR Collett designed "Castle" 4073 Class 7P 4-6-0 No. 5051 Earl Bathurst.
3717 was one of 10 constructed in 1903 and the 2,000th locomotive to be built at Swindon works. All were named after Cities on the GWR system.
It's most famous though for being the first steam locomotive to be officially recorded exceeding 100mph when on a Plymouth to Paddington run in 1904. It was withdrawn in 1931 and earmarked for preservation.
In 1957 it again re-entered service - initially re-numbered as 3440. I first saw it as a child in 1958 at Hitchin on the East Coast Main Line when 'Double Heading' a special with Midland Railway Compound Class 4P 4-4-0 No. 1000. Thereafter when its boiler ticket expired, it again became a static exhibit.
In 2004, after undergoing a further complete overhaul, it re-entered active service for the final time - thereafter in 2013 again becoming a static exhibit.
Currently, it's on display at "Steam" - Museum of the Great Western Railway - Swindon.