A look at the world famous works at Swindon from the days of the Great Western Railway to the present day.

Swindon was the centrepiece of the Great Western Railway and turned out an impressive range of locomotives from the 1840s right up to the present day. This programme explores the Works using a range of archive film through the days of the GWR to the Western Region of British Railways right up until closure in 1986.

A history of Swindon Works throughout the days of the GWR. Includes early film of the works, the production of locomotives including the ‘Star’ and ‘King’ Class to the days of British Railways and the diesel era.

The 1970s with a look at the Western Regions diesel hydraulics undergoing attention in the famous ‘A’ Shop. The visit of 6000 ‘King George Vth’ is featured making a visit in 1971 along with a works open day. Various stock is also shown around the site.

Closure in 1986 with views of the site and withdrawn and stored rolling stock.

The steam locomotives produced at Swindon including the ‘Kings’, ‘Halls’, ‘Castles’, ‘Manors’, Pannier and Prairie tanks, 9Fs including 92220 ‘Evening Star’.

The diesel era with ‘Westerns’ and ‘Warships’.

Swindon Steam Shed in the 1950s and 1960s including visiting locomotives.

The railway through Swindon seen in steam days from trains passing the works and on the approach lines along with the station.

Swindon Works and the survivors of the works in recent years.

Produced by - Transport Video Publishing
Running time - 70 minutes approx
DVD only
Released - October 2021