GWR spring and rope workshops

[klempner69]

This in one of the last remaining sheds of the former Great Western Railway works,Swindon that closed march 1986.I first tried to see inside the place 3 years ago but failed but today managed to see some lovely machinery.

External

Another

Trolleys by the score in 2007,but all gone now

Pooley scales in 2007,but gone now

Sack truck anyone?

Fast forward to today

Spring making shop area

This was connected all the way out into the coridoor..

Makers name

This has all been grade 2 listed

Now in the rope making workshop

 

[King Al]

Like the Sack truck army not sure were I would start with the spring machine but I like it Nice one K

 

[Foxylady]

Ooh, I like this. Love the machinery and the look of the spring making shop; the wooden panels, etc.
Cheers.

 

[TK421]

Nice one Klempner, I really like seeing pictures from this place, what a shame all the trolleys have gone, they were something elese! Is there plans to rescue this place do you know?

 

[shakey]

I'm guessing that this is the one in Swindon (???) this place used to be a huge empire! and about 1/2 of Swindon works is left. Part of it as 'Steam' a museum of the Great Western Railway (it is amazing) and another part is Swindon designer outlet. not all of it is left though there is a small amount lying around unused. while some have been demolished.

Great pics. All that machinery could be sold for soooo much to museum or heritage railway.

Shakey

 

[Sabtr]

Balance scales for giants!

I would love the whole site to be preserved - it deserves it.

This site reminds me of Seaton Delaval Colliery in Northumberland. A caravan sales/repairs company moved into the old loco works there. In one shed was a massive ornate cast iron balance scale for rail-related stuff. Instead of preserving those scales they literally buried them in concrete. They are still there. Preserved in a way I suppose!

Some lovely meaty metal mate. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tommo]

nice one stu, will have to do the pattern store next

 

[shakey]

that is one place that I hope never gets chav attacked and gets 'Tagged'

 

[pricejs]

Great looking place. Nice to see that the scrap monkeys haven't been in yet. Cheers.

 

[klempner69]

Many thanks for all the comments..the whole workshop area has been earmarked for being turned into a museum for the Post Office to house all their records/ massive collection of old stamps plus old vehicles,but they have yet to put pen to paper.The Rope/Spring machinery is all listed so lets hope it doesnt get nicked for scrap in the meantime!

 

[klempner69]

A few more

Several more piccys

These kilns are listed too and must be preserved



This was in the old Winners karting area


Rope roller shop

Roller

These numbers are set into the floor to measure out the lengths of rope


For more pics of the workshops:

http://news.webshots.com/album/559092979IHHCHx

 

[shakey]

is that table also earmarked to be preserved

Nice pics.

That last pic has helped me solve one of my mystery's (I have some of those numbers at home)

Ben