2409 ‘King George’.  A Hunslet standard ‘15-inch’ saddle tank locomotive built in 1942. The only steam locomotive owned within the GWR, it entered service in 2000 following a lengthy overhaul at Toddington. ‘15-inch’ refers to the stroke of the locomotive's inside cylinders.

2409
Photograph copyright Dave Robinson, 2001

Wheel arrangement:

0-6-0ST

Origin:

Hunslet Engine Company, Leeds

Working weight:

36 tons

Purpose:

Shunting on industrial railway systems. King George was delivered new to Linby Colliery, Nottinghamshire, in 1942, subsequently moving to other collieries. It was eventually sold for scrap in 1980 but was rescued and moved to Toddington in 1981. Painted red, the locomotive was restored at Toddington. King George distinguished itself by becoming the first steam locomotive for over 30 years to reach Cheltenham Race Course, shortly after track laying was completed, in February 2001. King George is now dismantled and undergoing a 10 year refurbishment which will include re-tubing the boiler as well as some work on the running gear.