The Steam Giant That Ruled the Rails | Great Steam Engines: King Edward I | Documentary

Comments · 33

• AN

  @andrewwilliams2353 · 11 months ago (edited)

  In the late 1990s, I forget which year exactly, I had a memorable trip behind Edward1 from Swansea to Paddington on St David's Day - March 1st. The viaduct at Landore had been rebuilt since steam days and it could now bear the axle loading of a King. The weather was not kind, surprise surprise for March 1st. The engine had been in Landore depot for a couple of days being polished up and oiled and looked magnificent, despite the drizzle. It had 13 BR Mk1s behind the tender and so the load was not light. It was like a Royal progress, with the driver playing to the gallery for the lineside crowds waving to us as we sped past. The fireman was a young man and needed to be to stoke that huge firebox. Coming up out of the Severn tunnel we were doing over 60 mph - not bad going for an oldster built on the 20s. Coming down from Badminton to Didcot someone clocked it as well over 90 mph ! I don't know where they had their coal from but the exhaust was pure steam all the way to Didcot. There the engine was uncoupled and refreshed by water and more coal - or perhaps it was old car tyres as the exhaust was pitch black from there to Paddington ! Arriving at Paddington again was a Royal reception with excited fans, cameras, video cameras etc etc. They served supper on board for the return trip. Ed came off at Didcot and we had a class 47 back to Swasea. A day not easily forgotten !

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• WA

  @watty2702 · 2 months ago

  Great Documentary, Heartwarming to see 6024 Prring at high speed like a kitten. I am from Wales and scrambled all over 6024 and her Sister 6023 KE II which had been derailed, the scrap team cut the driving wheels. Which i thought at the time was sacrilege. But The Didcot Society with the help of Swindon Works recast the damaged wheels during restoration. The only time this daunting feat has been accomplished.<br><br>So Brilliant to see this Fabulous machine running superbly and loved and cared for so many to appreciate her well ino the future hopefully.<br>Congrats to all involved in recrowning the Kings of the GWR.

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• BO

  @bobshandle-k1x · 1 year ago

  Brilliant &nbsp; &nbsp;fabulous photography by all

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• KE

  @kenhurley2361 · 1 year ago

  Greetings from New Zealand, One of the best steam rail videos<br> i have &nbsp;seen almost like being on the journey.

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• TH

  @The8224sm · 1 year ago

  The Kings would also haul the Red Dragon Express to Cardiff Central every day. They would have to be uncoupled for a Castle or a Hall for the rest of the trip to Swansea. The King would run light to Cardiff Canton shed to be turned and await the return of the Red Dragon; the King would replace the loco from the Swansea section. The reason for the change of loco is the King&apos;s weight restriction on the way to Swansea and return. Whilst the train sat at the station, as the changeover was in progress, the Wheel Taper walked down the side of the carriages with his long-handled hammer with its tiny ball peen head.<br>How times have changed, coal from Romania.<br>Thanks for an excellent video from an ancient Cardiffian.

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• PA

  @PaulMacnamara-n4k · 9 months ago

  Brilliant video - thank you for making it and posting!!!!

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• AN

  @andrewwilliams2353 · 11 months ago

  Wonderful video, beautifully presented (apart from the adverts interrupting the flow). Long may these beautiful machines be able to perform as they were intended. Thank you for a piece of wonderful nostalgic pleasure from an olde gitte of 73 whose grandfather, great uncle and great grandfather were all GWR men in their day.

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• DA

  @Dan-tp6hb · 1 year ago

  Wonderful....from Boston, America!

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• FR

  @freddeeks5496 · 9 months ago

  I remember standing on Paddington Station in 1947 and my Dad telling me that the Brisolian would cover the 120 miles to Bristol in 120 minutes. Wow thats 60mph I said. Very impressed. I have to say the loco was filthy and carriages not much better. But the war was overa nd things could only get better.

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• FO

  @forrestrobin2712 · 11 months ago

  ❤❤❤❤❤

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• CO

  @ColleenLlewis-xu5yk · 1 year ago (edited)

  Good photography and commentary. Cursed by adverts.

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• MA

  @MadMiff · 1 year ago

  audio is defective.

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