Image Licensing : No 21 Shop, Wagon Repair and Building Shop, 1930

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print takes us back to the year 1930, offering a glimpse into the bustling No 21 Shop at Swindon Works. The image showcases the construction of a massive 120-ton Crocodile wagon, an impressive feat of engineering that demanded substantial workshop space. The workshop is abuzz with activity as skilled craftsmen meticulously assemble this colossal wagon. Their focused expressions reveal their dedication to precision and craftsmanship. Surrounding them are various tools and equipment, testifying to the complexity of this undertaking. The sheer size of the Crocodile wagon becomes evident when comparing it to its surroundings. Its length seems almost endless within the confines of the shop, emphasizing just how much space such a creation requires during its construction. This photograph not only captures a moment in time but also serves as a testament to Swindon Works' reputation for excellence in carriage building and wagon repair during the early 20th century. It offers viewers an opportunity to appreciate both the scale of these remarkable creations and the skillful hands behind their making. Preserved by STEAM Museum of GWR (Great Western Railway), this image stands as a reminder of our industrial heritage—a tribute to those who labored tirelessly within these workshops, shaping history one magnificent locomotive or wagon at a time.