Great Western Railway Churchward prototype 'Star' class 4-4-2 No. 40. Built at Swindon in April 1906, named 'North Star' in September 1906. Converted fron 4-4-2 to 4-6-0 in November 1909 and withdrawn for rebuilding to a 'Castle' class in November 1929.

George Jackson Churchward's 4-cylinder masterpiece in this rare 1906 photograph of 'Star' class prototype No. 40 in original 'pre-named' condition in which it only ran for five months. Arguably, one of the most important British steam locomotives of the twentieth century. In fact not even arguably! Restored from an original period 8"x10" print.

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