5" GWR King Class

The Model

Silver Crest Models has been building large scale live steam models since its formation in 2010. By the time the King is delivered we will have manufactured over 600 models in 5” gauge. This experience is your guarantee of quality.

The 5” gauge King is a 4 cylinder, coal fired, live steam model. It is traditionally hand-finished and assembled with care in much the same way as time served model engineers have done for the past 100 years.

Our models stand out from the crowd due to their highly detailed lost wax castings and rivet detail. Your model is an excellent representation of the full size locomotive.

The model is fully guaranteed and is supplied with a full 24 months warranty. Whether you are inclined to collect and showcase your models, or drive them, the King Class fits the bill. It is a handsome display model and one capable of pulling substantial loads around your local club track.

The model comes complete with a silver soldered copper boiler, hydraulically tested to twice working pressure. All boilers will be UKCA marked and supplied with a manufacturer’s shell test certificate. We’ve presently booked sufficient factory capacity for the manufacture of just 25 models. Order reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.We are pleased to offer a choice of names and liveries including GWR green, BR blue, and BR lined green.

Dimensions.

Length: 1830mm
Width: 254mm
Height: 394mm
Weight: 97kg

Specifications.

• Coal-fired live steam.
• 5” gauge.
• 4 Cylinders.
• Piston valves.
• Walschaerts valve gear.
• Silver soldered copper boiler.
• Drain cocks.
• Mechanical lubricator.
• Multi-element superheater.
• Reverser.
• Stainless steel motion.
• Boiler feed by axle pump, injector, hand pump.
• Etched brass body with rivet detail.
• Working safety valves.
• Choice of liveries.
• Painted and ready-to-run.

True Majesty From The Golden Age Of Steam.

Designed by C.B.Collett the King Class was introduced in 1927.

Regional railway companies were very conscious of their image and actively sought to win the publicity war against their rivals. The introduction of the King, with its 40,000lb tractive effort, allowed GWR to trumpet once again that they possessed the most powerful locomotives in Britain. During development Chief Mechanical Engineer Collett requested an increase in the 20 to axle loading limit to 22.5 tons so that he could build a larger engine.

This was agreed and work was commenced by the Civil Engineer to strengthen bridges along the West of England line. The weight of the King did, however, initially restrict it to just three routes, Paddington/Plymouth, Paddington/Bristol and Paddington/ Birmingham. Additional routes were added in BR days.

The Kings always headed the most prestigious trains until their withdrawal in 1962. A variety of liveries were carried including GWR green, BR blue and BR lined green.

Un Matched In Quality.

Along with the GWR Castle Class the King Class is one of the most iconic locomotives ever to grace Britain’s railways.

The build of a top of the line 4 cylinder Great Western engine certainly presents a number of technical challenges. After 18 months in development we are pleased to announce the batch build of a small number of models. Available in a choice of names and liveries this 5” gauge locomotive is set to take pride of place in any collection.

This is an opportunity not to be missed by the serious GWR enthusiast. As an award winning professional model maker I am delighted to have been involved in this very satisfying project.