Image Licensing : Swindon Works tunnel entrance, 1966

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative photograph captures the Swindon Works tunnel entrance as it appeared in 1966. The image showcases the grandeur of the brick archway, adorned with the iconic British Railways logo and the Swindon Works sign. The new signage, erected at the time, proudly displays the access instructions for vehicles entering the tunnel. Located at the heart of Swindon Works, the largest railway works in the world at the time, this tunnel served as a crucial gateway for the thousands of railway vehicles that were manufactured and maintained within the vast complex. The tunnel's entrance is flanked by two smaller signs, indicating the access time for vehicles, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of traffic in and out of the works. A security guard, dressed in a smart uniform, stands to the right of the image, keeping a watchful eye over the entrance. His presence underscores the importance of the site and the need for strict security measures. The guard's attentiveness adds a sense of order and discipline to the scene, reflecting the meticulous nature of the railway operations that took place within the Swindon Works. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a tangible connection to the rich railway heritage of Swindon and the British Railways workshops. The image transports us back to a time when the Swindon Works were at the forefront of railway innovation and manufacturing, and when the railway industry played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's transport infrastructure.