GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

Greaves Sidings: gwrgs2762

An end view of the train loaded with the rotary cement kiln components. The kiln cylinder tapered from nine foot diameter to twelve feet, so was outside the standard loading gauge (A diagram of the standard loading gauge is shown). These photographs were taken by the Great Western Railway to advertise their services in conveying exceptional loads. They had developed a series of special wagons to deal with various different types of loads, including; unusual dimensions, abnormal weights or merchandise requiring special care in transit. They also offered to assist with loading, unloading and cartage when required. In the case of out-of-gauge dimensions, special train services were often arranged as these loads frequently required arrangements to occupy two running lines, the temporary removal of lineside structures (e.g. signal posts) and even alterations, such as slewing the track to maximise headroom in either a tunnel or under an arched bridge.

Robert Ferris

back