Western Times - Issue 8

Western Times - Issue 8

The new history periodical from Transport Treasury for students of the GWR and BR(W)

In this issue, the Editor has chosen to be a little different in the choice of content, but all of which naturally remains very Great Western. The renowned artist Nicolas Trudgian in a lengthy, fully illustrated article has written about a stretch of the GWR network over which he never rode but which was much loved by his parents. Nicolas inherited this passion and has spent many hours in researching the history, and in exploring the route of the GWR’s most unique branch – that from Yelverton to Princetown.

Elsewhere there are illustrated reviews of the products of a furniture factory (that existed within the walls of Swindon Works), and on more traditional ground we pay homage to the last remaining semaphore signals in Cornwall. On the locomotive front, there is a history of William Dean’s unsuccessful Class 3521 in its early tank engine forms and a full colour review of the popular, successful, yet sadly short-lived Hymeks. There is also an account of an early railtour to Swindon in 1949, organised by a youthful Mr Ian Allan.

Rolling stock matters are considered in connection with adventures encountered by Slip Coaches. Problems with Marlborough Tunnel are illustrated and discussed. In addition to the usual features, Western Times goes aboard surely the best known of all GWR ships – The Mew – in a piece of undisguised nostalgia.


Softback, 80 pages