The ‘King’s’ Messengers

When No. 6024 next steams, it will be its fourth ‘comeback’ in preservation. It first moved at Quainton Road in 1989, 16 years after leaving Barry. A return to the main line followed the year after.

Despite its BR condition with double chimney, ‘KEI’ spent its first ticket in post-war GWR colours. That changed during the 1995/1996 overhaul, during which the engine’s height was reduced. Since then it has worn BR livery. A second overhaul took place at Tyseley in 2002-2004.

King Edward I’s most recent career came to an end in 2012, when it moved to Minehead for overhaul.

At 90 years old this summer (it entered service in July 1930), No. 6024 will be the oldest ‘8P’ on the main line when it returns. It is named after England’s Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307.

During the locomotive’s GWR/BR career, it spent time at Plymouth Laira, Newton Abbot, Old Oak Common and (finally) Cardiff Canton, from where it was withdrawn in June 1962. By that point it had run for more than 1.5 million miles, latterly with the double chimney fitted in 1957.

The 4-6-0 spent around a decade at Woodham Bros scrapyard before rescue by what was then the ‘King Preservation Society’ – now the 6024 Preservation Society. Since 2010, the engine has been owned by the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust.

A comprehensive website is maintained by the society, which seeks new support through membership and the associated regular donation scheme ‘Club 60-24’. The society publishes a magazine,

King’s Messenger. See www.6024.com