5005 was treated to a domed smokebox door, a tapered front to the cab, flared covers over the steam pipes and behind the chimney & safety valves. Strange shaped covers also adorned the cylinders and buffer plank. Long straight splashers and tapered firebox shoulders completed the new look.
The loco was then tested to see if the casing improved the air flow. High speeds were attained and the loco even overshot Swindon on the return run- proof indeed that the streamlining worked!
The project soon ground to a halt with various parts of the casing being removed over the next few years. By 1940 it was all but gone and the only thing that gave away any clue as to the previous changes was the position of the snifting valve. This had been placed differently due to the cylinder covers that enclosed it in the original position.

As time is now short more help with this project, and the general running of the loco would be very welcome. Hurry on down!

To get involved please contact us at GWR5029@yahoo.co.uk.Or come to one of our workdays dates on the current news and contact pages.

Did the GWR gain anything from this project? We probably will never know! However all is not lost the 5029 Support Group are currently adding the relevant details to their steed. Work is already well advanced on the smokebox front and the firebox shoulders ready for the unveiling on the first Thursday in April. The locomotive will then take up its first mainline duties for 2010 starting the 6th April - London to Bristol.

A fitting tribute to the GWR 175 Celebrations !


A Streamlined Castle !

The 1930's was the era of the streamliners with Both the LMS and the LNER getting publicity from the Duchesses and the A4's. Glamorous times they certainly were! The GWR were not going to let this opportunity pass or be left out of this so in 1935 they decided to join the streamlined loco race.

The loco's chosen were 5005 Manorbier Castle and 6014 King Henry VII.