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No 18 Stamping Shop at Swindon Works in 1915
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No 18 Stamping Shop at Swindon Works in 1915
A view of No. 18 Stamping Shop from March 1915, showing the reverse of a stationary boiler. At the bottom left of the image are sheets of metal ready to be heated in the gas furnaces just above. Once heated, the sheet metal is removed to the steam hammers (seen here on the right) and stamped into dies to create components. Incidentally, in July 1915, the book Life in a Railway Factory was first published. It was written by Alfred Williams and was his account of life inside Swindon Works. Alfred worked as head Drop-Stamper in this shop for 20 years, until ill health forced him to leave factory life in September 1914
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 20172662
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
Swindon Works World War 1 Furnace Hammer Stamping
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1915, providing a glimpse into the bustling No. 18 Stamping Shop at Swindon Works. The image showcases the rear view of a stationary boiler, an essential component in this industrial setting. Positioned at the bottom left corner are neatly arranged sheets of metal eagerly awaiting their turn in the gas furnaces located just above them. Once heated to perfection, these sheets of metal would be swiftly transported to the steam hammers on the right side of this vibrant scene. These powerful machines were responsible for stamping and shaping dies into various components required for railway production during that era. Interestingly, it was during July of that very same year when Alfred Williams penned his renowned book titled "Life in a Railway Factory". This literary work provided readers with an intimate account of what transpired within Swindon Works, where he had dedicated two decades as head Drop-Stamper before being compelled to bid farewell due to declining health in September 1914. As we admire this historic photograph, we cannot help but marvel at how such intricate processes unfolded amidst the backdrop of World War I. It serves as a testament to human resilience and innovation during challenging times.
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