3. Swindon Works-01.04.77

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-1977 > 3. Swindon Works-01.04.77
The first of two visits to the fabled Swindon works that I made during 1977. The Westerns had finished two months previously so there still plenty to see on the scrap-lines. Looking back now, I still don't quite understand why the scrap-lines were the highlight of a works visit, it seems a bit melancholy to me now? This first visit was done on a drab April Fool Day was with my spotting friend Simon Petermeredies. We took the train from Bradford-on-Avon to Swindon via Bath as there was no direct route via Melksham then. We joined the queue of hopefuls outside the public entrance on Rodbourne Road.
Click here to search The Archive Files


Images 1-10 of 10 displayed.

D1071 & Class 52s, scrap-line, Swindon Works My friend Simon (in the yellow jacket) strides amongst the scrap-lines at Swindon Works, notebook in hand. In the foreground, D1071 'Western Renown' stands awaiting the attention of the cutter. The last time I saw this engine was almost exactly a year earlier in happier times passing through Bath Spa, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/24037708804/d1071-bath-spa-station A line of other Class 52s await their fate in the background. Keywords: Swindon Works scrap lines D1071 Western Renown
D1028 & class 52s, scrap-line, Swindon Works D1028 'Wester Hussar' sits with some of its classmates on the scrap-line at Swindon Works. D1028 was instantly recognisable from all the others as it was daubed with 'THE END' by some class 52 enthusiast no doubt. Keywords: Swindon Works scrap lines D1028 Western Hussar
24135, 24089 & D1001, scrap-line, Swindon Works Swindon Works did not only deal with West Country engines. Here, 24135 and 24089 await cutting up. They were withdrawn in January 1976 following colliding with each other at Bidston Dock on Merseyside on 16.12.75. If the class 24s had not been on-notice, it is likely that these two would have gone to Crewe and have repairs authorised. D1001 'Western Pathfinder' is seen in the background. Keywords: Swindon Works scrap lines 24135 24089
D1057 & D1065, scrap line, Swindon Works Having covered one point two million miles in its fourteen-year working life D1065 'Western Consort' looks sorry for itself in the scrap-line at Swindon Works. D1057 'Western Chieftain', minus both windscreens, is seen to the left. The bike leaning against D1065 was used by the guide who showed us around the works. He walked it the entire time whilst a cigarette dangled from the corner of his mouth talking with a strong Swindon drawl! The next time that I would photograph a locomotive with the same name would be some fort seven years later, see...... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30058144615/x3-69009-458410-13-11-widness-transport Keywords: D1065 Western Consort D1057 Western Chieftain Swindon Works scrap lines
D1054 & D1056, scrap-line, Swindon Works A side view of D1054 'Western Governor' on the scrap-line at Swindon Works. This view shows off their elegant lines and neat symetrical appearance to best effect. I know that as a West Country lad I may be less than impartial, but the 52s must rate as one of the most elegant designs to emerge from the drawing boards of the 1950s modernisation plan? Just to the right of D1054 is D1056 'Western Sultan'. Having covered 1.3 million miles, this was withdrawn just four months prior to this picture being taken. Keywords: D1054 'Western Governor D1056 'Western Sultan Swindon works scrap lines
D1072, scrap-line, Swindon Works The cutters have not been hanging about here! D1072 'Western Glory' was only withdrawn at the beginning of November 1976. As the bulkhead lays ignominiously at forty-five degrees the cab base still sits proudly even if the roof has now collapsed on to it. I wonder if the cab-side number and data panel was flame-cut and now resides somewhere in a shed? Keywords: D1072 Western Glory Swindon scrap line
D1003 & D1016, scrap-line, Swindon Works These two Westerns had languished at Swindon for some time. D1003 'Western Pioneer' and D1016 'Western Gladiator' were withdrawn in January and December 1975 respectively. Keywords: D1003 Western Pioneer D1016 Western Gladiator Swindon Works scrap lines
D818 & D7029, turntable, Swindon Works A familiar scene to many who passed on the adjacent GWML was the presence of two of Swindon's finest on display behind the works turntable. 818 'Glory' was a static exhibit that languished on until it was eventually cut up in 1985. 7029 had a slightly happier story to tell. The Diesel Traction Group owned the engine when this picture was taken at Swindon and were preparing it for overhaul. Since then it has worked extensively on the preserved network and, at the time of writing, is based at the Severn Valley Railway where it is a regular performer. Keywords: Swindon Works turntable Warship D818 Glory Hymek 7029
Nameplate, D818, Swindon Works Turntable The nameplate of D818 'Glory' behind the turntable at Swindon Works. I suspect that this was a replica 'plate as the locomotive was a static exhibit and such a valuable item would have attracted too much unwelcome attention! Keywords: Swindon Worksturntable D818 Glory
1301, Swindon Works Awaiting overhaul at Swindon Works part of a Class 207 'East Sussex' unit. This is DTSO number S60900 which was from set 1301. This DEMU was withdrawn in April 1994 and cut-up.

Images 1-10 of 10 displayed.