Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > STEAM Museum of the GWR > Swindon Works > Locomotive Works > V Shop

V shop, c1930

V shop, c1930


Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Mounted Prints
Metal Prints
Cards
Home Decor
Image Downloads


We accept all major credit cards

STEAM Picture Gifts

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum

V shop, c1930

Rivetting a firebox

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Media ID 464482

© STEAM Picture Library 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Boiler Swindon Swindon Works Boilermaker Rivet


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > Workers at Swindon Works

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > Swindon Works > Locomotive Works > V Shop


EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway (GWR), we witness a scene from V Shop at Swindon Works in the early 1930s. The title of this image, "Riveting a Firebox," offers a glimpse into the intricate and labor-intensive process of maintaining and constructing the heart of a steam locomotive - its firebox. The firebox is a critical component of a steam engine, housing the fire that generates the heat required to produce steam. In this image, a skilled boilermaker, dressed in protective gear, meticulously hammers in a rivet to secure the firebox plates. The firebox plates are typically made of thick, heat-resistant materials like nickel-steel or copper, and the rivets used to join them must be able to withstand the intense heat and pressure of the engine's operation. Swindon Works, the largest railway works in the world at the time, was the hub of GWR's engineering efforts. V Shop, specifically, was dedicated to the production and maintenance of fireboxes and other boiler components. The shop was renowned for its efficiency and high-quality workmanship, which contributed significantly to the success of the GWR's steam fleet. The photograph captures the raw power and precision of the industrial age, with the boilermaker's focused intensity contrasting against the sprawling, chaotic backdrop of the workshop. The rhythmic hammering of the rivet gun, the glowing embers of the firebox, and the hiss of escaping steam all serve as a reminder of the unyielding force of the steam engine and the tireless dedication of those who kept them running. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity, skill, and determination of the engineers and craftsmen who brought the steam railway to life, and it stands as a vital piece of railway history that continues to inspire and captivate generations.

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.




Related Images


V Shop, 1954
V Shop, 1954
Workers riveting a locomotive boiler in V Boiler Shop c. 1942
Workers riveting a locomotive boiler in V Boiler Shop c. 1942
V shop, 1962
V shop, 1962
Swindon Works Map, c. 1940s
Swindon Works Map, c. 1940s
AE Erecting Shop, c1927
AE Erecting Shop, c1927
Construction of new crossings shop, 1956
Construction of new crossings shop, 1956
AW Wheel Shop
AW Wheel Shop
AW Wheel Shop
AW Wheel Shop
X Shop, 1908
X Shop, 1908
Apprentice Training School, Swindon - 1975 intake
Apprentice Training School, Swindon - 1975 intake
Apprentice Training School, Swindon - 1972 intake
Apprentice Training School, Swindon - 1972 intake
Swindon Works and Railway Village by Edward Snell. 1849
Swindon Works and Railway Village by Edward Snell. 1849

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed