“The Bristolian” was introduced in 1935 and was the pinnacle of GWR high-speed, luxury travel.
It was initially worked by 4-6-0 “King” class engines, but it was realised that the smaller 4-6-0 “Castle” class engines were better suited to the task. This locomotive, GWR 4-6-0 No. 5044 “Beverston Castle”, was a member of C.B. Collett’s celebrated “Castle” class of express engines introduced in 1923. The success of this design ensured that “Castles” were built in small batches - typically of 10 engines - throughout the remaining years of the GWR and into the early years of BR.
The stock that comprises our model of “The Bristolian” is mainly brand new and in the latest style. With exception of the Buffet Car, all of the vehicles in the train are designs that date from 1936 and feature large, flush-glazed windows and with access to the corridor through pairs of doors at each end.
