Freight Trains of the Western Region in the 1980s

At the beginning of the 1980s, many unfitted and vacuum-braked wagons were in use across the Western Region. By 1984, the traditional wagon-load freight network had disappeared, and many yards were closed or rationalized. The replacement Speedlink Network conveyed modern air-braked wagons, and company block trains also connected freight customers. Kevin Redwood was working in the Area Freight Centre at Bristol and traveled across the region to photograph the changing scene.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

At the beginning of the 1980s, a significant number of unfitted and vacuum-braked wagons of various types remained in use across the Western Region. Nevertheless, transformative changes were underway, and by 1984, the traditional wagon-load freight network had completely vanished, leading to the closure or rationalization of numerous yards. In its place, the modern replacement Speedlink Network emerged, featuring a fleet of air-braked wagons, many of which were privately owned. Additionally, company block trains played a crucial role in connecting freight customers throughout the Region, with a diverse range of locomotive classes hauling these freight trains.

During the period between 1980 and 1986, Kevin Redwood, who worked in the Area Freight Centre at Bristol, developed a particular fascination with freight traffic. In his spare time, he embarked on frequent excursions across the region, armed with a camera, to document the evolving landscape. His travels took him to bustling mainline stations such as Didcot, as well as more secluded locations in South Wales and the West Country.

Redwood's photographic journey captured a snapshot of the changing freight scene during this period. The images he captured depicted a mix of old and new, with traditional coal trains in South Wales giving way to clay trains in Cornwall. The yards and locomotive depots he visited were bustling with activity, as trains arrived and departed, carrying a wide range of goods and materials. The replacement Speedlink Network, with its modern air-braked wagons, was evident in the photographs, alongside company block trains hauling freight across the Region.

Redwood's dedication to capturing the changing freight scene not only enriched his personal knowledge but also contributed to the preservation of a significant part of Britain's rail history. His photographs serve as a valuable record of the transition from the traditional wagon-load freight network to the modern era of rail transportation, highlighting the technological advancements and economic changes that shaped the industry during this period.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 182 x 233 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398100503