6000 King George V, GWR King Class

A preserved GWR King Class 4-6-0, built at Swindon Works in June 1927 as the prototype of Charles Collett's King class — the most powerful 4-6-0 type ever built in Britain at their introduction, and the GWR's definitive express passenger locomotive for the 1927–1962 era. Withdrawn from British Railways service in December 1962 having covered 1,910,424 miles, and preserved as part of the National Collection.

6000 King George V carries a distinctive brass bell and plaque presented to it by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad during the B&O's centenary celebrations in September–October 1927, when the locomotive was shipped to the United States to appear at the Fair of the Iron Horse at Halethorpe, Maryland — one of the very few British locomotives ever to operate in America, and the first demonstration of GWR King class capability to an international audience. The bell, inscribed "Presented to Locomotive King George V by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company", has been carried ever since. Restored to main-line working order at Bulmer's Railway Centre, Hereford, it broke the three-year BR ban on private steam running in 1971 with a celebrated main-line appearance, before passing to the STEAM Museum at Swindon where it is now displayed.

Last recorded at the STEAM Museum, Swindon, owned by the National Railway Museum. Operating status: Static display. Current livery: BR Brunswick green with B&O bell.

Location, livery and operating status last confirmed pre-2024 and subject to change. Check with the National Railway Museum or STEAM Museum for current information.