In Swindon - The Complete Works, two books about Swindon works, previously published by the author, Peter Timms, have been used as the starting point and expanded on to produce this publication. The subtitle of the book “A detailed history of the Great Western Railway’s centre of manufacturing during its heyday in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s” goes a long way to explaining what it entails.
Chapters cover:
- The Economic Depression
- In the Locomotive Works
- Loco Side Workers
- Overhauling Steam Locomotives
- Offices and Staff
- Office Staff Recollections
- The Drawing Office
- CME Dept Management
- Other Work
- The Stores Department
- Accidents: Prevention and Treatment
- The GWR Medical Fund Society
- Fire Prevention and Extinction
- The Carriage & Wagon Works
- Carriage Construction
- Goods Wagons and Vans
- Carriage and Wagon Workers
- The Telephone Exchange
- Outdoor and Factory Maintenance
- Other Aspects
- National Emergency
- Workers in Wartime
- Post-war Developments
- New Forms of Motive Power
- The Early Diesel-hydraulics
Each chapter has been divided into sections and there is a general index. The book is intended as a work of reference, rather than a straight cover-to-cover read and, as with most historical research, the study has been compiled from many varied sources, including first-hand recollections of the men and women who worked there. It has been written to appeal to a wide range of readers - engineers, social historians and railway enthusiasts, as well as people researching their Swindon ancestors.
200 mainly black & white illustrations. Hardback. 352 pages.