The Railways and Royalty.

Probably one of the most famous steam locomotive types in the world is found in the “King” class of engines, turned out of the Swindon shops of the Great Western Railway. The “King George V” engine, in addition to performing wonderful service at Home, also made a tour of the United States in connection with the centenary celebrations of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Incidentally, this well-known locomotive still carries a suitably inscribed brass bell, presented by the Baltimore authorities as a souvenir of its trans-Atlantic tour. The latest “King” class engine—No. 6029— promises to become just as famous as the “King George V.”

Naming railway engines after royalty is no new thing. The first four-cylinder express passenger engine built at Swindon in 1910 was christened “Queen Mary.” Later, in 1927, the first of the same company's “King” class giants came along, and it was this engine which was named “King George V.’ On the marriage of King George and Queen Mary, two passenger locomotives were named after the royal couple—No. 1128, “Duke of York,” and No. 1129, “Princess Mary.” At their coronation, in 1911, a London and North Western express locomotive was christened “Coronation.” Saloon cars on the Great Western are also honoured by royal names. Eight saloons operating in the London-Plymouth services are named after members of the Royal Family, the first two being christened “King George” and “Queen Mary” respectively.