Locomotive Works Gallery

AE Erecting Shop, 1927

First batch of King class locomotives under construction

© STEAM Picture Library 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Ae, Erecting, King, Swindon

U.S locomotive No. 1604 at Swindon Works in December 1942

U.S locomotive, No. 1604 is photographed here at Swindon Works in December 1942. Many of the American engines that were shipped to Britain were actually on their way to service on the continent. However, during their stay in Britain the American engines were put into service on the country's railway networks. The difference between US and Great Western locomotives provided challenges for locomotive crews with the high sided tenders causing issues at coaling stages and the single boiler water gauge leading to several boiler explosions. In total, 174 U.S. 2-8-0 locomotives worked on GW routes, with engine No. 1604 working across the Western network from January 1943 until she was sent overseas in September 1944

War time work in Q Shop at Swindon Works, 1942

This image was taken in March 1942 and shows four women operating a large pressing machine in Q Shop. The women are making 4.5inch copper bands for ammunition shells, which can be seen fully manufactured in the following image. The women are all wearing overalls with their hair tied back, but there is a distinct lack of safety equipment, such as goggles or gloves. Also, note the windows that have been blacked out as part of Swindon Works' air raid precautions