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Autotrain departing from Weymouth Station, Dorset, 1947
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Autotrain departing from Weymouth Station, Dorset, 1947
A view showing an Autotrain departing from Weymouth Station in Dorset, 1947.
Railmotors became popular in the early 20th century on branch lines
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 696034
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
1940s 1947 Dorset Station Weymouth Auto
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative black-and-white photograph, an Autotrain, a type of railmotor, is seen departing from Weymouth Station in Dorset, England, in 1947. The image captures a moment in time as the railmotor, with its distinctive streamlined design, prepares to leave the station, leaving behind a trail of steam and a sense of anticipation. Railmotors, also known as railcars or railbuses, gained popularity on branch lines during the early 20th century. They offered a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional steam locomotives, as they required less crew and infrastructure. This particular Autotrain appears to be well-patronized, with passengers peering out of the windows, some waving goodbye, while others are gathered on the platform, ready to board the next train. The 1940s were a time of transition in the railway industry, as steam power began to give way to diesel and electric trains. Yet, the Autotrain, with its combination of steam and motor power, represented a bridge between the old and the new. The photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when travel by train was a more leisurely and communal experience. Weymouth Station, located on the picturesque Dorset coast, was an important stop on the branch line that connected Weymouth with the rest of the country. The station, with its red-brick buildings and tall chimneys, is a testament to the rich railway heritage of the region. Today, the Steam Museum of the GWR in Swindon, Wiltshire, preserves and celebrates the history of the Great Western Railway, including the Autotrains that once graced the rails of Dorset and beyond.
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