Worcester Locomotive Shed

摘要

This is the third publication from author Steve Bartlett in a series that looks at the changing engine allocations and operational responsibilities of Western region motive power depots in the latter days of steam. Previous titles have covered Hereford and Gloucester and now in what feels like a logical next step the spotlight falls on the activities of nearby Worcester shed.The author's youthful memories at two minor stations near Worcester on the line to Hereford provide an introduction that includes an overview of the trains that ran through the area enhanced by a regional map. Although the Midland Railway Birmingham and Bristol main line ran within three miles of the city and served it via running rights it would be apposite to say at this stage that there was minimal operational presence so this is essentially a GWR story.At the heart of operations were the engine sheds located within a triangle of lines formed by the original Oxford, Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway and the line to Hereford. Passenger and goods engines were in theory separated with the building nearest Shrub Hill station designated the passenger shed, and the structure adjacent to the avoiding line between Rainbow Hill and Worcester Tunnel Junctions was for goods engines and also undertook boiler washouts. Crew relief on the heavy goods trains between South Wales and the Midlands and engine changes on Hereford express trains to and from London were just part of daily duties. A detailed and illustrated description of everyday activity including local operations in and around the depot is accompanied by a track diagram and is followed by a tremendous chapter taking the reader through the personalities of the shed, covering both footplate and shed staff. This is again accompanied with a generous selection of photographs.