Despite all the clutter surrounding The National Railway Museums pride and joy, GWR 4003 'Lode Star' looks magnificent as it poses at Tyseley prior to a GWR 7029 'Clun Castle' Overhaul Appeal Night Shoot Evening. Rarely seen outside these days this was a unique opportunity to see this historic locomotive. 'Lode Star' is the only remaining GWR 4000 Class locomotive. It was designed by George Jackson Churchward and was built in 1907, it was one of the first locomotives in its class to be built. The design of the locomotive was influenced by de Glehn, a French engineer. He used four cylinders on his locomotives, which Churchward copied. By using four cylinders it meant the locomotives were both powerful and fast. 'Lode Star' survived into the British Railways era, and was finally withdrawn in 1951. At this point it had covered 2,005,898 miles.
