GWR Stars Series 3 Availability

Almost fifty Stars survived into British Railways ownership although not all carried ‘British Railways’ or lion over wheel logo’s. None survived to carry the BR totem. We list 43, which we reckon could have borne the new identity. The situation is complex. As a typical example, 4062 carried was attached to no fewer than nine different tenders between 1948 and its withdrawal in 1956, some of which carried the legend ‘BRITISH RAILWAYS’, others lined GW (1946 period), and others lined with BR lion over wheel. Again careful research is required and we will assist if requested.

We are certain No’s. 4022/26/38/39/53 carried ‘BRITISH RAILWAYS’ on their tender (although a few didn’t have a smokebox numberplate fitted). We are also certain 4007/21/22/28/34/36/38/42/43/48/49/52-57/60-62 bore the lion over wheel crest. There are likely to be others. Research continues. Our thanks to Steve Bromhall for his research with Swindon Works repair history for Stars and tenders attached (at least when they left works!) together with photographic evidence. Further Stars were fitted with outside steampipes mostly during the late 1940’s, in addition to those noted in series 2. By this time, all period 3 Stars were fitted with standard Collett 4000 gallon tenders.

The following lists BR Stars available in series 3 based on evidence to hand although the list may be modified as further information becomes available :-

5 remain available (out of a limited edition of 15).

5 remain available (out of a limited edition of 15).