The Great Western Train line (GWR) 5700 Class is a class of 0-6-0 pannier tank steam locomotive, built between 1929 and 1950. 863 were built, making them the second most-produced Brit class of steam locomotive.The GWR had favoured Pannier Tank locomotives since 1911 when they'd started reconstructing saddle tank locomotives built between 1870 and 1905 into this style.
By 1929 these older locomotives required replacement. The 1st 5700s were very similar in appearance to one or two of the older converted locos (e.g. Classes 2721,645, 1701, 1854) and had round spectacles ( windows ) in the cab front, but those built after 1933 from 8750-onwards had oblong windows and a marginally different taxi profile nearly identical to the style introduced with the GWR 5400 Class in 1931.
Whilst they can be regarded as a straightforward update of the GWR 2721 Class, the Collett enhancements were productive and the class became as linked with the GWR as Castles and Kings, lasting till the end of steam on the Western Area of Brit Railways. The Engine House, built on land diagonally opposite to the station at Highley provides covered accommodation for locomotives now out of service, displays of other rolling stock, and an education / interpretation centre. Even though it was lined up to be open mid / late 2007, the intended opening dates were impacted by the flood damage at Highley station with rail access to the site ultimately being installed in March 2008.
The 1st exhibits arrived by rail on fourteen and sixteen March 2008, permitting the museum to open with the full line reopening. In late 2008 access wasn't possible by rail as passenger trains didn't stop at Highley station while footings and parts of a new footbridge were built.Highley station re-opened in 2009 and the new footbridge was completed during October 2009. Though the Engine House was about to be formally opened by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester on twenty-eight Apr 2009 he wasn't able to attend due to sickness ; Algernon Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire deputised in the Prince's absence. It was officially opened by the Duke in a rescheduled visit on twenty-one October 2009. Maybe apparently the land that the Engine House stands was formerly owned by the SVR before sale and eventual re-purchase.
The Overview on Steam Locomative:- Operational steam locomotives
* GWR 2-6-2T 5101 Class no. 5164 - GWR green
* GWR 2-6-2T 45xx class no.4566 - GWR green
* GWR 0-6-0PT 57xx Class no. 5764 - GWR green
* GWR 4-6-0 78xx " Estate " Class no. 7802 Bradley Estate - BR green
* GWR 4-6-0 78xx " Estate " Class no.7812 Erlestoke Manor - BR green