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Coach No. 5189 in the Carriage Body Shop, 1946
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Coach No. 5189 in the Carriage Body Shop, 1946
Great Western coach No. 5189 is featured in this photograph undergoing refurbishment in the Carriage Body Shop at Swindon Works in the summer of 1946. What is particularly interesting about this image is the notice fixed to the side of the carriage, worded in French, which reads " Danger; refrain from going between the buffers before stopping", which suggests that this vehicle was one of the hundreds of coaches that saw service in France during the Second World War
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938951
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
Coach Swindon Works World War 2 Refurbishment
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> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> The Railway at War
> Second World War
> STEAM Museum of the GWR
> Swindon Works
> Carriage and Wagon Works
> No 4 Shop
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the summer of 1946, inside the Carriage Body Shop at Swindon Works. The focus of this image is Coach No. 5189, a Great Western coach undergoing refurbishment after its service in France during World War II. What immediately catches our attention is the French notice fixed to the side of the carriage. Translated as "Danger; refrain from going between the buffers before stopping" it serves as a reminder of this vehicle's significant role during wartime operations. Coach No. 5189 stands tall amidst a bustling workshop filled with skilled workers meticulously restoring its former glory. The atmosphere is palpable with sounds of hammers striking metal and whispers of stories shared by those who served alongside this very coach. The wear and tear on its exterior bear witness to battles fought and journeys taken across war-torn landscapes. Yet, there is an undeniable sense of hope emanating from within these walls as dedicated craftsmen breathe new life into every inch of this historic artifact. As we gaze upon this photograph, we are reminded not only of the resilience displayed by Coach No. 5189 but also by all those who played their part in defending freedom during one of history's darkest chapters. Preserved for generations to come, this image encapsulates both the physical restoration process and symbolizes humanity's ability to rebuild even in times when danger lurks just beyond our reach.
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