Shunter Collection

Step into the world of the unsung heroes of the railway: the humble shunter. From GWR's diesel-electric No

Shunter Collection: GWR diesel electric shunter No. 1, 1933

GWR diesel electric shunter No. 1, 1933
An early GWR diesel electric shunter No.1, bought from Fowler & Co in 1933

Help the Shunter
British Railway's staff information poster, designed by Frank Newbould, c.1950. This poster refers to the importance of clear, legible labels. Date: circa 1950

Shunter Collection: Our Special Artist in Egypt, Character Sketches along the Road from Alexandria to Cairo (engraving)

Our Special Artist in Egypt, Character Sketches along the Road from Alexandria to Cairo (engraving)
1623906 Our Special Artist in Egypt, Character Sketches along the Road from Alexandria to Cairo (engraving) by English School

Shunter Collection: Riding the brake rods to slow down a string of free-moving trucks calls for good nerves

Riding the brake rods to slow down a string of free-moving trucks calls for good nerves and a steady hand. Shunter Arthur Lear is leaning his weight on to a bar of ash wood to hold down the brake

Shunter Collection: Passenger shunter coupling-up, c. 1930s

Passenger shunter coupling-up, c. 1930s
Passenger shunter coupling-up, c.1930s

Goods shunter laying a skid in front of wagon, 1934

Shunter Collection: Goods Shunter, c. 1930s

Goods Shunter, c. 1930s
Goods Shunter, c.1930s

Shunter Collection: Shunter in the wartime blackout, c. 1940

Shunter in the wartime blackout, c. 1940
Blackouts were challenging times for some GWR employees, as this image of a shunter taken at Bristol shows. Limited lighting during an air raid posed a serious health and safety risk

Railway Shunter
26th October 1907: A railway shunter ready to couple two wagons, one of which is a Stephenson Clarke 10-tonner. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

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Step into the world of the unsung heroes of the railway: the humble shunter. From GWR's diesel-electric No. 1 of 1933 to the character sketches of our Special Artist along the road from Alexandria to Cairo, these dedicated individuals have played a crucial role in the smooth operation of the railways. Help the Shunter as he skillfully rides the brake rods to slow down a string of free-moving trucks, requiring nerves of steel. Witness the Passenger Shunter coupling-up in the 1930s, or watch as a Goods Shunter lays a skid in front of a wagon in 1934. Amidst the wartime blackout in the 1940s, the Shunter's vital role continued, ensuring the safe movement of goods and supplies. At the Railway Exhibition at Ilford on 2 June 1934, spectators marveled at the exhibits, but it was the Shunter who truly held the reins of the railway. Join us in celebrating the unsung heroes of the railway: the Shunters.