Images Dated 2014

Swindon Works Map, c.1940s

Swindon Works Map, c.1940s, showing the growth of the GWR Works in Swindon between 1846 and the 1940s. The sheer volume of workshops and sidings can be seen in fascinating detail

1800s, 1840s, 1846, 1900s, 1940s, Factory, Map, Plan, Railway, Sidings, Swindon Works, Vintage, Wiltshire, Workshops

Lithograph of Chepstow Station, c.1850

Shows broad gauge locomotive "Vulcan", built in 1837 by Charles Tayleur & Co

Chepstow Station, Vulcan

Midget Submarine superstructure, 1943

Also built in the Carriage and Wagon Works at Swindon were 50 of these midget submarine superstructures which were produced for the Admiralty. The superstructure was made of mahogany and then covered in outer curtains that protected the driver and his assistant from the flow of water when submerged. All joints had to be precision made in order to prevent any water penetration into the submarine, and the vessel was built to withstand water pressure of 90lb to the square inch, so allowing it to submerge to a considerable depth. The work on the midget submarines was top secret. Only the men directly involved in its design and construction knew about it and they were sworn to secrecy. The screens surrounding the submarine in this image are testament to the sensitive nature of much of the war work carried out at Swindon Works