Twenty-nine steam locomotives of the GWR Class 6000, also known as the King Class, were constructed between 1927 and 1930. These engines were named after notable English kings, and this honour was reflected in their sleek angular lines and rivets that shimmered in the light. The regal class boasted taper boilers, copper-capped chimneys and brass bonnet safety valve covers. Many of the locomotives were in service on the West of England main line between Paddington and Wolverhampton.
No. 6029 ‘King Stephen’ was constructed in August 1930 and, in May 1936, it was renamed ‘King Edward VIII’. A double chimney was fitted in December 1957. The locomotive was withdrawn in July 1962 and scrapped at Cashmore’s, Newport, in November 1962.