SWINDON WORKS: APPRENTICE IN STEAM.

UK,slim 8vo HB+dw/dj,1st edn.FINE-/FINE-.No owner inscrptn and no price-clip to dw/dj - absence of publisher's price - usually indicates an export edition,and generally believed to precede UK trade issue/distribution.Bright,crisp,clean,glossy laminated, monochrome photographic illustrated dw/dj panels with white+ green lettering to front and green lettering to spine/backstrip and rear; with negligible shelf-wear or creasing to edges and corners - no nicks or tears present,and both the head+foot of the spine/ backstrip are minimally bumped with reciprocal creasing.Internally to both head+foot of dw/dj,some minor bleeding/bleaching stain, also visible externally in concomitant spot.Top+fore-edges bright and clean - no dust-soiling,no foxing/spotting of other marks; contents bright,tight,clean,solid and sound - virtually pristine - no dog-ear reading creases to any pages' corners,appears unread - apart from my own collation.Bright,crisp,clean,sharp-cornered, publisher's original plain green cloth bds with bright,crisp,stamped gilt letters to spine/backstrip,and immaculate b/w schematic works site map illustrated pastedowns and free endpapers.UK,slim 8vo HB+dw/dj,1st edn,5-192pp [paginated] includes a dedication with acknowledgements to it's reverse,a contents list/table,separate illustrations and line drawings+documents lists/tables,a foreword (by Rt Hon Lord Richard Marsh - ex-Transport Minister),author's separate preface+introduction,15 chapters,a Tailpiece and epilogue,16pp contemporary b/w photographs in 1 block,between pp96/7,23 other assorted b/w line illustrations (assumed by author?) and facsimile document reproductions interspersed throughout the text and the book,an appendix - a list of the 'Shops and their functions for both Locomotive and Carriages+wagons sides,plus [unpaginated] half-title+title pages.
A fascinating insight into the work practices of that renowned institution the Swindon Works of the former Great Western Railway.This illustrated volume of reminiscences records with great nostalgia and affection the many sights,sounds,smells,characters and jobs experienced by the author over a seven year period from Easter 1944 to early 1951,when he departed for National Service. Covering a wide array of experiences as Office Boy and then Apprentice in the Fitting,Turning and Locomotive Erecting Shops at Swindon,these reminiscences recall a time when steam was king,and over 14,5000 workers toiled to keep it so.This unique tale records for posterity the lessons learned which moulded the careers of thousands who passed through the workshops.Although the people,locations and products have gone forever they live again in the author's recollections.
The period recounted encompasses the end of the Second World War,the extermination of the Great Western Railway Company,the construction of the last of the long line of GWR type locomotives, and the ramifications upon the Works of nationalisation in 1948, whence it became part of British Railways (Western Region).
With 1986 seeing the closure of this once proud institution,and now,the famous phrase 'built at Swindon' will no longer adorn new rolling stock; it is appropriate that one man's recollections and impressions of one of the great,and possibly the greatest Railway Workshops,is published.
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