Favourites Gallery

Shunter in the wartime blackout, c.1940

Blackouts were challenging times for some GWR employees, as this image of a shunter taken at Bristol shows. Limited lighting during an air raid posed a serious health and safety risk, especially in busy depots or marshalling yards. Even in daylight the task of coupling and uncoupling wagons was a dangerous job. But at night it was even worse and during a blackout it must have been a daunting experience, even for a skilled shunter. Shunters were required to use lamps that had shades attached. This meant they were less visible to aircraft during an air raid, but it also had a negative impact on their working visibility

GWR Publicity Poster, London, 1946

The poster was produced by the GWR just after the Second World War. It was designed by Frank Henry Mason. The huge dome of St Paul's Cathedral dominates the skyline. In the distance cranes can be seen, assisting in the rebuilding of London after the Blitz. The Thames in the foreground is busy with boats and barges, coming and going under Blackfriars Bridge

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

Bristol bound locomotive approaching Reading Station, c1950s

A photograph showing a Bristol bound locomotive approaching Reading Station, c.1950s. The photograph was taken from a locomotive in steam and shows the approach the driver would see

© STEAM Museum of the GWR

1950s, Berkshire, Locomotive, Reading, Reading Station, Station, Steam Locomotive