Richard Bates’ superb model of a GWR King class loco was started in the mid 1960s and completed in 2013. It was photographed at the 2014 Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition.

It is based on the King John design in 5” gauge by Charles Kennion and Keith Wilson for Kennion Bros, now GLR Kennions Ltd who still supply the drawings and castings at very reasonable prices. The set of 12 drawings is just £54.00 at the time of writing and driving and coupled wheels £30.00 each. Most other castings are in gunmetal.

The King class locomotives of the GW need no introduction. In 5” gauge they come out at 6’ long.

The original King Richard I, no 6027, was built at Swindon in 1930, and on shed at Old Oak Common until 1950 when moved to Plymouth Laira and later to Wolverhampton. It was fitted with a double chimney in 1956. The engine was scrapped in September 1962.

The model is in ‘as built’ condition, but in British Railways livery. It is fitted with the experimental slotted bogie which most Kings were to carry.

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Editor - David Carpenter