Didcot Railway Centre

Didcot Railway Centre is a railway museum and preservation engineering site in Didcot, Oxfordshire, England. The site was formerly a Great Western Railway engine shed and locomotive stabling point.

Background

The founders and commercial backers of the Great Western Railway (GWR) supported Isambard Kingdom Brunel's scheme to develop an integrated railway and steamship service which allowed trans-Atlantic passengers and freight quicker passage between London and New York City. However, whilst backing the scheme the railway had to make a profit, and so it took a number of detours and added both mainline and branch line traffic to increase its domestic earnings. This earned the railway the nickname The Great Way Round from its detractors.<ref name=Lyons/>

Whilst the route from London Paddington to Reading was relatively straight, the then obvious most direct route to Bristol would have taken the railway further south, thus avoiding both Didcot and Swindon. However, passenger and freight traffic both to and from Oxford and onwards to the West Midlands in part dictated a more northerly route. Also, Brunel had originally planned to cut through Savernake Forest near Marlborough, Wiltshire to Bristol, but the Marquess of Ailesbury, who owned the land, objected – having previously objected to part of the Kennet and Avon Canal running through his estate (see Bruce Tunnel). With the railway needing to run near to a canal at its midpoint – as it was cheaper to transport coal for trains along canals at this time – and with the need for the branch northwards to Cheltenham via Stroud, Swindon was the next logical choice for the junction (and later railway works), Template:Convert north of the original route. This dictated that the Oxford junction also be moved northwards, and hence via Didcot.<ref name=Lyons/> The Great Western Railway built the first rail line through Didcot in 1839 and opened its first station in 1844.

Construction

File:DidcotRailwayCentre(ChristineMatthews)Oct2001.jpg

Didcot Railway Centre, Oct 2001

Due to the technical operational difficulties of running and maintaining a mainline service from London to Bristol, as well as the need for servicing locomotives going to Oxford, Didcot became an obvious midpoint maintenance and stabling point. Having built a timber-framed Template:Track gauge broad gauge shed on the original site during the railway's development west in the 1800s, in June 1932 a new steel-framed half-brick 4-road through shed (Template:Convert), was completed by the GWR under the Loans and Guarantees Act (1929). With shed code DID, it also included a repair shop (Template:Convert), coaling stage (Template:Convert), sand furnace (Template:Convert) and Template:Convert turntable and associated offices (Template:Convert).<ref name=Lyons/> During World War II, a standard steel-framed with corrugated iron-panel covered ash shelter was erected:<ref name=Lyons/> this was dismantled in early GWS days.

Operations

After World War II, the site remained virtually unchanged during the nationalised ownership of British Railways (BR), but for taking on the new code of 81E. The standard allocation of locomotives remained the same, with Halls, Dukedogs and Panniers making up the bulk of the depot's fleet.<ref name=Lyons/>

Closure

With the replacement of steam with diesel traction under the Modernisation Plan, the shed became redundant and was closed in June 1965.<ref name=Lyons>Template:Cite book</ref>

Formation and site lease

The Great Western Society (GWS) was offered the use of the former Didcot locomotive depot, taking it over in 1967. In the 1970s, the society negotiated a long-term lease with BR which was to expire in 2019. But this was subject to a six-month termination clause which could force the GWS to quit the site, and which could be operated at any point in time by lease-holder Network Rail (NR).

In an attempt to secure a long-term future for the society, in 2002 the GWS opened negotiations with NR to either purchase the site or extend the lease. In a letter dated May 2007, NR informed the GWS that they were prepared to sell the site subject to Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) approval. It had been thought the site could be subject to need as a depot, either due to: the rebuilding of Reading station; a Crossrail project depot; or the Intercity Express Programme. After expressing some concern at the slow speed of negotiations at the GWS annual meeting in September 2008, NR wrote to the GWS to advise that the site was no longer available for sale, and although a lease extension was still on offer it was still subject to the previous six-month termination clause. The GWS then wrote to their local MP Ed Vaizey, and placed any long-term development plans on hold.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:As of Richard Croucher (Chairman of the Great Western Society) signed a new 50-year lease with Network Rail, therefore preserving the site for at least another 50 years.

Museum and railway centre

File:Mixed gauge track Didcot.JPG

Reconstructed mixed-gauge, Template:Track gauge / Template:Track gauge track

File:DSCN2377-mail-coach crop b.jpg

Travelling Post Office

File:Brunel's Atmospheric Railway.jpg

A reconstruction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's atmospheric railway, using a segment of the original piping

Today the GWS have developed the site, which still retains many of the original GWR buildings and features, as both a working steam locomotive and railway museum, engineering maintenance centre, and railway line offering short rides to visitors.

Access via Didcot Parkway station brings the visitor into the southern end of the site, at the start of the ramp coal wagons would take up to the coaling stage. Beyond this is the original 1932 four-road engine shed, and beyond this the original repair shed and 1988 constructed locomotive works, both of which have restricted access due to safety concerns. Beyond this lies a Ransomes & Rapier Template:Convert turntable, originally built for the Southern Railway at Southampton Docks, installed in the original pit.

The centre regularly holds events such as steam and diesel railcar days. Members of the Great Western Society have been active in the preservation of locomotives and rolling stock. Certain 'new-build' projects to create locomotives that did not escape wholesale scrapping have also been undertaken at Didcot, such as the completed Firefly locomotive, a 'Saint' class (using a 'Hall' class chassis and boiler) and a 'County' class locomotive (using a 'Hall' class chassis and an LMS '8F' class boiler).

There is a small relics museum and archive on site, operated by the Great Western Trust.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Railway Centre has been used as a period film set and has featured in productions including Anna Karenina, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and The Elephant Man.<ref name="BBC2017">Template:Cite news</ref>

Running lines

File:GWR No.22 AEC Diesel Railcar with Firefy Broad Guage Steam Loco Replica at Didcot Great Western Railway Centre (7882212230).jpg

The former broad-gauge transfer shed is now used as a station building on the branch line

File:Didcot SR 4-4-0 geograph-2636994-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg

The broad-gauge transfer shed in its original location, with the provender store behind

There are three short lengths of running track, each with a station at both ends:

Branchline

This starts at a typical GWR wayside halt, named Didcot Halt, and runs north on the western edge of the site to a platform, named Burlescombe Station, at the transshipment shed. Dating from broad gauge days, the shed was used for transferring goods from broad to "narrow" (i.e. Template:Track gauge) rolling stock and vice versa. It was moved to its present location carefully from its original site nearby.

Broad Gauge Line

The broad gauge line of Template:Track gauge starts from the transshipment shed, and runs halfway back down the branchline. The 2005 replica GWR Fire Fly is housed within the shed when not running

Mainline

Starting from the Main Line Platform opposite the site entrance, using a pre-fabricated concrete station platform from Template:Stnlnk, this runs on the eastern edge of the site to a newly built platform, named Oxford Road Station, near the transshipment shed. The reconstruction of the Brunel-designed building from Template:Stnlnk station on this platform has been commenced. Template:Clear

Access

Template:Railways around Didcot RDT The railway centre is entirely surrounded by active railway lines and has no road connection of any kind. Public access is on foot from a subway at Didcot Parkway station, which links the centre by rail to London and much of southern and central England. Wheelchair and pram access was difficult due to the presence of a flight of concrete steps on Network Rail property. To comply fully with the Disability Discrimination Act, the Great Western Society constructed a ramped access in 2023–24.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Clear

Collection

Steam locomotives

Class	Number (& Name)	Image	Status	Notes
Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns 0-4-0ST	No.1 Bonnie Prince Charlie	File:Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn No.7544 (5656781313).jpg	Static Display	Built 1949 for dockside shunting. Awaiting overhaul. Painted in lined light green livery.<ref>No. 1 – Bonnie Prince Charlie. Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk (2007-12-25). Retrieved on 2011-03-02.</ref>
George England 0-4-0WT	No.5 Shannon	File:Loco 5.jpg	Static Display	Built 1857, latterly owned by the Wantage Tramway. Steamed in 1970s but examination indicated that too much historic material would need replacing to return it to working condition, so remains on static display in 1920s red livery.<ref>No.5 – Shannon/Jane. Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk (2010-07-11). Retrieved on 2011-03-02.</ref>
GWR Steam Railmotor	No.93	File:GWR 93 railmotor.jpg	Static Display	Built 1908. Restoration completed in 2012. Often runs with trailer carriage No. 92. Boiler ticket expired in 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
GWR 1000 Class	1014 County of Glamorgan	File:GWR 1014 'County of Glamorgan' in progress.jpg	Under Construction	1946 design. Replica using original GWR and LMS locomotive components.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/57/1014-county-of-glamorgan 1014 County of Glamorgan</ref>
Kitson & Co. 0-4-0ST	No.1338	File:1338 Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built 1898. Ex-Cardiff Railway.<ref>1338 – 0-4-0ST. Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk (2010-11-01). Retrieved on 2011-03-02.</ref>
GWR 1340 Class	1340 Trojan	File:1340 Didcot (1).jpg	Operational.	Built 1897. Ex-Alexandra (Newport and South Wales) Docks and Railway. Painted in GWR green livery. Returned to steam in 2021 after an offsite overhaul. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
GWR 1361 Class	1363	File:GWR 1361 Class 1363.jpg	Under Overhaul	Built 1910. Undergoing a major overhaul with significant work being undertaken on both the boiler and frames.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/60/1363-1361-class 1363</ref>
GWR 1400 Class	1466	File:4866 Didcot (1).jpg	Operational<ref name=T49 />	Built 1936. This was the first locomotive bought by the society. Returned to steam in 2025 following overhaul. <ref name=T49>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Hunslet 0-6-0T	No. 2409 King George	File:King George Steam Locomotive at Didcot Railway Centre 20th February 2023.jpg	Operational	Built 1942 as 0-6-0ST for colliery use; rebuilding as 0-6-0T at Didcot completed 2022.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/62/2409-king-george 2404 King George</ref>
GWR 2900 Class	2999 Lady of Legend	File:GWR 2999 Lady of Legend Didcot Railway Centre.jpg	Operational	1902/06 design. Completed at Didcot 2019<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> using components from No. 4942 Maindy Hall (1929). Runs as a 4-6-0 but intended to run as a 4-4-2 for periods of time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
GWR 5700 Class	3650	File:3650 Didcot Railway Centre.jpg	Under Overhaul	Built 1939. Ten-yearly overhaul began in 2018.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/64/3650-57xx-class 3650</ref>
GWR 5700 Class	3738	File:Hugh llewelyn 3738 (5594996797).jpg	Static Display	Built 1937. Out of service from 2013 due to firebox problems. <ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/65/3738-57xx-class 3738</ref>
GWR 2884 Class	3822	File:3822 Didcot Railway Centre - 46996364961.jpg	Static Display	Built 1940. Appeared in the Queen music video Breakthru. Withdrawn from service in 2010.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/66/3822-2884-class 3822</ref>
GWR 4073 Class	4079 Pendennis Castle	File:GWR 4079 Pendennis Castle 100th Birthday.jpg	Operational	Built 1924. Boiler ticket expires 2031. This locomotive was repatriated from Australia in 2000 after spending 22 years in the country.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/67/4079-pendennis-castle 4079 Pendennis Castle</ref>
GWR 5101 Class	4144	File:4144 Didcot.jpg	Operational	Built 1946. Boiler ticket expires in 2025.
GWR 4073 Class	5051 Earl Bathurst	File:GWR 5051 Drysllwyn Castle Didcot 3rd March 2024.jpg	Static Display	Built 1936. Currently carrying its former name, Drysllwyn Castle.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/70/5051-drysllwyn-castle-earl-bathurst 5051 Drysllwyn Castle</ref>
GWR 5205 Class	5227	File:GWR 5205 No. 5227.jpg	Static Display	Built 1924. One of the Barry Ten, it was purchased in 2010 to provide parts for the construction of the new-build GWR 4700 Class No. 4709. After donating its axleboxes to the project, it moved to Didcot in 2013 following storage at a private site. Currently on display in ex-scrapyard condition as a reminder of the challenge that preservationists had to conquer. The Standard No. 4 Boiler, pony truck wheel set, 2 pony truck axleboxes, 4 horn guides and 2 eccentric sheaves are being transferred to the new build Churchward County GWR 3800 Class 3840 "County of Montgomery".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The remainder of the locomotive has been sold to an individual who intends to restore the locomotive to working order, including manufacture of parts to replace those removed for use in new build projects. The locomotive is expected to remain at Didcot Railway Centre. [1]
GWR 4300 Class	5322	File:5322 at Didcot (32073232248).jpg	Static Display<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Built 1917. Used by Railway Operating Division in France during World War I. Withdrawn in 2014 due to boiler problems.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/72/5322-43xx-class 5322</ref>
GWR 4575 Class	5572	File:5572 Didcot (1).jpg	Static Display	Built 1929.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/73/5572-4575-class 5572</ref>
GWR 4900 Class	5900 Hinderton Hall	File:Hinderton Hall 5900 Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built 1931.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/74/5900-hinderton-hall 5900 Hinderton Hall</ref>
GWR 6000 Class	6023 King Edward II	File:Hugh llewelyn 6023 (5594994775).jpg	Static Display	Built 1930. Returned to steam in 2010 after completion of a lengthy restoration from scrapyard condition, was originally purchased as a spares donor for sister engine 6024 King Edward I. Boiler ticket expired in 2020.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/75/6023-king-edward-ii 6023 King Edward II</ref> BR blue livery.
GWR 6100 Class	6106	File:6106 at Didcot Railway Centre.jpg	Static Display	Built 1931.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/76/6106-61xx-class 6106</ref>
GWR 5600 Class	6697	File:6697 Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built 1928. Only member of the 5600 class to be purchased directly from British Railways for preservation.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/77/6697-56xx-class 6697</ref>
GWR 6959 Class	6998 Burton Agnes Hall	File:Burton Agnes Hall 6998 Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built 1949.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/78/6998-burton-agnes-hall 6998 Burton Agnes Hall</ref>
GWR 7200 Class	7202	File:Loco 7202.jpg	Under Restoration	Built 1934.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/79/7202-72xx-class 7202</ref>
GWR 7800 Class	7808 Cookham Manor	File:Cookham Manor 7808 Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built 1938.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/80/7808-cookham-manor 7808 Cookham Manor</ref>
GWR Firefly Class	Fire Fly	File:Fire Fly 6023 Didcot (3).jpg	Static Display	Built 2005 as working replica of 1840 Broad Gauge 2-2-2.<ref>Fire Fly – 2-2-2. Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk (2010-11-27). Retrieved on 2011-03-02.</ref>
GWR Iron Duke Class	Iron Duke	File:IRON DUKE replica National Railway Museum (1).jpg	Static Display	Built 1985 as working replica of early Broad Gauge 4-2-2. On loan from National Railway Museum.
Breakdown Crane	RS1054	File:Cowan Sheldon 50 ton crane.jpg	Under restoration	Built 1930. Ex LMS Cowans Sheldon 50 ton steam crane.
Steam Crane	23059	File:Steam Crane 23059.jpg	For restoration	Built 1954 by Thomas Smith and Sons (Rodley) Ltd, Leeds.

Diesel locomotives

Including other non-steam powered vehicles

Class	Number (&Name)	Image	Status	Notes
GWR Railcar	No.22	File:GWR Railcar No.22 Didcot Railway Centre.JPG	Operational	Built at Swindon in 1940.<ref>https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/83/22-diesel-railcar GWR Railcar No.22</ref>
Hunslet	DL 26	File:Hunslet Engine Company DL26 at Didcot.jpg	Operational<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Built by Hunslet of Leeds in 1957 for the National Coal Board and arrived at Didcot in 1978. It was the only diesel shunter at the site for many years until the arrival of 08604. Most of its duties tend to be light shunting. Repainted 2023.
British Rail Class 08	08604 Phantom	File:BR Class 08 08604 'Phantom'.jpg	Operational<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Built at Derby Works as D3771, allocated to: Longsight (9A) June 1959; Stockport Edgeley (9B) July 1959; Longsight (9A) April 1965, unofficially named Ardwick; renumbered 08604 February 1974; stored Swindon Works 1981; Tyseley TMD February 1984, unofficially renamed Javelin, officially then named Phantom; Bescot November 1988; Derby Etches Park November 1992; withdrawn in July 1993. Sold to GWS and moved to DRC 1994.
British Rail Class 14 diesel-hydraulic	D9516	File:D9516 - 14382235511.jpg	Operational	Built at Swindon in 1964. After a post-BR industrial career, bought for preservation by Gerald Boden and based at Great Central Railway and then Nene Valley Railway. Bought from the Wensleydale Railway in 2014.
British Rail Class 31	31270 Athena	File:28-09-24 Didcot Railway Centre Diesel Day 06.jpg	Operational
British Rail Class 52 diesel hydraulic	D1023 Western Fusilier	File:NRM outside Great Hall 1023.jpg	Static Display	Built at Swindon in 1963. In 1973 it became the final diesel hydraulic to receive a general repair at Swindon Works. Upon withdrawal in 1977, it was preserved by the National Railway Museum. Arrived at Didcot in January 2023 on a 5 year loan from York.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
GWR 18000 gas turbine	18000	File:GWR18000 at Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built by Brown, Boveri & Cie in Switzerland in 1949 to GWR order. Arrived 29 July 2011. Owned by Pete Waterman<ref name="didcotrailwaycentre1">Template:Cite web</ref>
British Railways Wickham trolley	B42W	File:2023-09-16 Didcot Railway Centre Heritage Diesel Day 19.jpg	Operational	Built 1956. Type 27A Mk III Permanent Way Gang and inspection trolley.
Diesel Crane	CD24	File:Diesel Rail Crane Didcot.jpg	Static Display	Built 1949 by Thomas Smith and Sons (Rodley) Ltd, Leeds.

Other rolling stock

The GWS has an extensive supporting collection of GWR rolling stock, including three of the GWR Super Saloons that serviced the boat train traffic to Plymouth. In addition it has some vehicles for staff and maintenance use.

Carriages

Type	Number (&Name)	Image	Status<ref name=Guide>Template:Cite book</ref>	Notes
Churchward Auto Trailer	No. 92	File:GWR 92 Autotrailer (31019213547).jpg	Restored to run with Steam Railmotor 93.	Built at Swindon, 1912.
Collett Full Brake	No 111		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1934
Collett Auto Trailer	No. 190	File:GWR Collett 63 Auto Trailer Third No.190 (6822562549).jpg	Operational, subject to works attention.	Built at Swindon, 1933.
Hawksworth Auto Trailer	No. 231	File:BR(WR) Hawkesworth 64 Third Auto Trailer No.W231 (6837211069).jpg	Operational, subject to works attention.	Built at Swindon, 1951
Bristol & Exeter Railway Broad Gauge Coach	No. 250		Stored	Built between 1852 & 1892. Enough of body remains to reconstruct a small compartment.
Dean 4w 1st 2nd Composite	No.290	File:GWR 4-Wheel Dean 290 Composite.jpg	Restoration began in 2011.	Built at Swindon, 1902
Hawkesworth Passenger Brake Van	No 316		Static display	Built at Swindon, 1950
Dean 4w Brake Third	No. 416	File:GWR Dean 31 Brake Third No.416 (6822561497).jpg		Built at Swindon, 1891
Collett Third	No. 536	File:GWR Collett 63' TK (Third Corridor) No.536.jpg	Operational	Built at Swindon, 1940
Dean Tricomposite	No 820		Static display	Built at Swindon, 1887
Dean Tricomposite	No 824		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1887
Dean Full Brake	No 933		Operational	Built at Swindon, 1898
Dean 4-Wheel Third	No. 975	File:GWR 4 wheel third No. 975.jpg	Restored	Built at Swindon, 1902. Restoration complete. Restored to recreate a Victorian train.
Collett Third	No. 1111		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1938
Medical Officers Coach	No 1159		Stored	Built at Swindon 1925
Collett Full Brake	No 1184		Under restoration	Built at Swindon, 1930
Collett 'Excursion' Third	No. 1289	File:GWR Collett 60 "Sunshine" Excursion Third No.1289 (5369235591).jpg	Under overhaul	Built at Swindon,1937
Dean 8 Compartment Third Clerestory	No. 1357		Awaiting major restoration in carriage shed.	Built at Swindon, 1903.
Dean Third	No. 1941	File:GWR Dean Third No.1941 (6822561187).jpg	Operational.	Built at Swindon, 1901
Dean Composite Diner	No 1580		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1903
Hawksworth Brake Third	No. 2202	File:GWR Hawksworth 63' Third Corridor Brake No.2202 (.jpg	Operational.	Built by Metro-Cammell, 1950
Hawksworth Brake Third	No. 2232	File:GWR Hawksworth Brake Third 2232.jpg	Static display	Built by Metro-Cammell, 1950. Initially restored as a locker room for staff.
Dean 6-wheel Family Saloon	No. 2511	File:GWR Dean 31 6-wheel Family Saloon No.2511 (6766965631).jpg	Operational	Built at Swindon, 1894. Was rescued and preserved from a house and placed on the underframe of a GWR 6-wheel van.
Churchward “Dreadnought” 9 Compartment Third	No. 3299	File:GWR 3299.jpg	Under restoration	Built at Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company, 1905. One of the first coaches acquired by the Great Western Society.
Churchward Non-Corridor Brake Third	No. 3755	File:GWR 3755 Dreadnought Brake.jpg	Operational	Built at Swindon, 1921.
Churchward Non-Corridor Brake Third	No. 3756	File:GWR 3756 Churchward City Stock Brake.jpg	Stored	Built at Swindon, 1921.
Churchward Toplight Corridor Third	No. 3963		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1919.
Collett Third - Bow Ended	No. 4553	File:GWR Collett Third 4553.jpg	Stored	Built at Swindon, 1925.
Collett 8 Compartment Bow-Ended Third	No. 5085		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1928.
Collett Brake Third	No. 5787		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1933.
Collett All Third	No. 5952	File:GWR Collett 57 Compartment Third No.5952 (6766966445).jpg	Stored	Built at Swindon, 1935.
Dean 6-Wheel Tricomposite	No. 6824		Stored on an LMS 6w underframe.	Built in 1887. Was a convertible coach, originally built for the Broad Gauge.
Collett Composite	No. 7285	File:GWR Collett "Sunshine" 61 Composite Corridor No.7285 (6766966827).jpg	Stored	Built at Swindon, 1941.
Collett Composite	No. 7313	File:GWR Collett 60 Composite Corridor No.7313 (6766967495).jpg	Stored.	Built at Swindon, 1940
Collett Brake Composite	No. 7371		Operational	Built at Swindon, 1941.
Hawksworth Brake Composite	No. 7372	File:BR (WR) Hawkesworth 64 Brake Composite No.7372 (6824565845).jpg	Under overhaul	Built at Swindon, 1948.
Collett Brake Composite	No. 7976		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1923.
Collett Special Saloon	No. 9002	File:GWR Collett 61 "Special Saloon" No.9002 (6822561971).jpg	Static display	Built at Swindon, 1940. Used by Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower and the Royal Family during WWII.
Hawksworth First Class Sleeping Car	No. 9083	File:GWR 9083 First Class Sleeping Coach.jpg	Static display	Built at Swindon, 1951.
Collett Super Saloon	No. 9112 Queen Mary		Stored	Built at Swindon, 1932.
Collett Super Saloon	No. 9113 Prince of Wales	File:GWR 9113.jpg	Under restoration	Built at Swindon, 1932.
Collett Super Saloon	No. 9118 Princess Elizabeth	File:GWR Super Saloons.jpg	Stored	Built at Swindon, 1932.
Dean Composite Diner	No. 9520		No current restoration plans.
Collett 'Centenary Diner'	No. 9635	File:GWR Collett 61 "Centenary" First Diner No.9635 (6887465951).jpg	Static display	Built at Swindon, 1935.

Broad Gauge replica carriages

Type	Number (&Name)	Image	Status	Notes
Six-Wheeled, Second Class, Broad Gauge Covered Carriage	BG1	File:GWR Gooch Second Class broad gauge coach (6824560573).jpg	Operational<ref name="Guide" />	Built at BR Cardiff Cathays in 1984 to 19th cent. design.
Six-Wheeled, Third Class, Broad Gauge Open Carriage	BG2	File:GWR Gooch Third Class (6824559583).jpg	Operational<ref name="Guide" />	Built at BR Cardiff Cathays in 1984 to 19th cent. design.

Non-passenger-carrying coaching stock

Type	Number (&Name)	Image	Status	Notes
Tool Van	No. 1	File:GWR No. 1 Tool Van.jpg	In use as staff tool van.	Built in 1908 at Swindon.
Tool Van	No. 47	File:GWR No. 47 Tool Van.jpg	Stored under cover with 9083 and 2232, used as a stores van.	Built in 1908 at Swindon.
Tool Van	No. 56	File:GWR No. 56 Tool Van.jpg	In use as staff tool van.	Built in 1908 at Swindon.
Collett Full Brake	No. 111	File:GWR Collett Full Brake 111.jpg	No current restoration plans.	Built at Swindon, 1934.
Hawksworth Passenger Brake Van	No. 316	File:GWR Hawkesworth 64 Full Brake (BR "B") No.316 (6766965853).jpg		Built at Swindon, 1950
Hawksworth Passenger Brake Van	No. 333	File:GWR 333 Hawksworth Full Brake.jpg	In use as sales vehicle.	Built at Swindon, 1951. Acquired from Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway.
Churchward 'Monster' Carriage Truck	No. 484			Built at Swindon, 1913.
Churchward 'Python'	No. 565	File:GWR Churchward Python 565.jpg	In use as a workshop and stores vehicle.	Built at Swindon, 1914.
Travelling Post Office	No. 814	GWR TPO 814 Brake Stowage Van Didcot Railway Centre	Not currently operational.	Built at Swindon, 1940.
Dean Full Brake	No. 933	File:GWR 933 Dean Full Brake.jpg	Operational by 2019.	Built at Swindon, 1898
Medical Officers' Coach, originally a Churchward Passenger Brake Van - Toplight	No. 1159			Built at Swindon, 1925.
Collett Full Brake	No. 1184	File:GWR Collett Full Brake 1184.jpg	Being restored and modified to run with GWR TPO 814.	Built at Swindon, 1930. Last bow-ended full brake.
Collett 'Siphon G'	No. 2796	File:2796 Siphon 'G' (45046522245).jpg	Restored. Operational	Built at Swindon, 1937.
Six-Wheel Milk Tank	S4409	File:Ex-SR 6w milk tank 4409.jpg	Operational	Built in 1931 as four wheeler. Rebuilt in 1937 as six wheeler. Chassis ex-Southern Railway. Most recently painted in Co-operative Wholesale Society green livery with lettering "MILK C.W.S SERVICE".
Special Cattle Van	No. 752	File:752 Cattle Van.jpg	Restored	Built in 1952 at Ashford. Diagram W17.
'Bloater' Fish Van	No. 2671	File:GWR 'BLOATER' No.2671 - 33809021968.jpg	Restored	Built in 1925 at Swindon.
'Fruit C' Van	No. 2862	File:GWR FRUIT C No.2862 (32044542727).jpg	Part restored	Built in 1939 at Swindon.
'Fruit D' Van	No. 2913			Built in 1941 at Swindon.
'Fruit' Van	No. 47886	File:GWR 47886 Fruit Van.jpg	Operational.	Built in 1892 at Swindon. Dean brake system.
'Mink G' fitted goods van	No. 112843	File:GWR 'Mink G' No.112843.jpg	Restored.	Built in 1931 at Swindon.

Wagons

Type	Number (&Name)	Image	Status	Notes
Tar Wagon	No. 1		Requires re-restoration	Built in 1898
6w Drinking Water Tank	No. 101	File:ADW 101.jpg	Stored	Built in 1948.
Department Mess Van	No. 263	File:No. 263 Department van.jpg	In staff use	Built in 1905. Rebuilt by BR from a GWR 25t brake van No. 56867.
Oil Tank Wagon	No. 795	File:Tank wagon Didcot Railway Centre 20th February 2023.jpg	Restored	Built in 1912 by Hurst Nelson. Most recently painted as Anglo American Oil Co Ltd - Pratts Perfection Spirit. Previously restored as Royal Daylight No. 745.
'Rotank' flat wagon carrying trailer tank	No. 3030	File:Beer tank Didcot Railway Centre 20th February 2023.jpg	Restored	Built in 1947 at Swindon. Most recently painted as Simonds Beer tank.
Goods Van	No. 516673	File:LMS Diag.2039 No.4166 (46986097351).jpg	Restored, used for storage	Ex-LMS. Purchased from MoD Bicester as 4166 for storage by the locomotive department. Stored beside locomotive workshop at the end of line of unrestored stock.
Goods Van	No. 517791	File:LMS Diag. 2039 No.516673.jpg	Restored, used for storage	Ex-LMS. Purchased from MoD Bicester as 4167 for storage by the locomotive department. Stored beside locomotive workshop at the end of line of unrestored stock.
Four wheel 7-plank mineral wagon	No. 10153	File:TVR four wheel 7-plank tippler 10153.jpg	Restored	Built by Gloucester RCW. Ex-Taff Vale Railway, only surviving TVR wagon. Most likely 1880s because of the handbrake gear.
Iron Mink	No. 11152	File:GWR wagon V6 MINK 11152.jpg	Restored, non-operational	Built in 1900 at Swindon.
"Toad" Brake Van	No. 17447	File:GW 17447.jpg	Part dismantled, stored under tarpaulin	Built in 1940 at Swindon.
4 wheel 5-plank open wagon	No. 18553	File:PO 18553 4w 5-plank wagon.jpg	Operational	Built in 1927 by Sheffield C&W.
"Open A" open wagon	No. 19818	File:GWR 'OPEN A' No.19818.jpg	Restored	Built in 1917 at Swindon.
'Mite' Single Bolsters	Nos. 32337 & 32338	File:GWR 32337 & 32338 single bolsters.jpg	Non-operational	Built in 1881 at Swindon.
'Coral A' crated glass wagon	No. 41723	File:GWR wagon D2 CORAL 41723.jpg	Awaiting restoration	Built in 1908 at Swindon.
20/21ton Loco Coal wagon	No. 63066	File:GWR 'LOCO' No.63066 - 47627065932.jpg	Restored	Built in 1946 at Swindon.
'Pollen E'	Nos 84997-85000	File:Pollen E.jpg	Restored, on loan from National Railway Museum	Built in 1909 at Swindon.
'Macaw B' bogie bolster wagon	No. 70335	File:GWR wagon J28 MACAW B 70335.jpg	Restored	Built in 1939 at Swindon.
'Crocodile F' bogie well trolley	No. 41934	File:41934 'Crocodile F' Well Wagon.jpg	Operational	Built in 1908 at Swindon as Crocodile G, modified 1909 as Crocodile F, Diagram C12. Now rare.
'Hydra D' machinery wagon	No. 42193	File:GWR 42193.jpg	Stored in open	Built in 1917 at Swindon. Now rare.
Grain Wagon	No. 42239	File:GW 42239.jpg	Stored under tarpaulin awaiting re-restoration	Built in 1927 at Swindon.
'Loriot L' machinery wagon	No. 42271	File:GW 42271.jpg	Operational	Built in 1934 at Swindon.
Creosote Tank Wagon	No. 43949	File:GWR 'Tar' No.43949.jpg	Stored	Built in 1901 at Swindon.
16ton 'Toad' brake van	No. 56400	File:GWR wagon AA3 TOAD 56400.jpg	Stored amongst other stock in staff use	Built in 1900 at Swindon. Originally 14-ton but later 16-ton. Verandah is covered by inside tarpaulin for protection.
20ton 'Toad' brake van	No. 68684	File:68684 GWR Toad.jpg	Restored	Built in 1924 at Swindon.
20ton 'Toad' brake van	No. 950592	File:GWR 'TOAD A' No.950592.jpg	Restored	Built in 1950 at Swindon.
Mink A ventilated van	No. 101720	File:GWR MInk A 101720.jpg	Restored	Built in 1924 at Swindon. "Flour Traffic Only - Return to Wantage Road".
Mink A ventilated van	No. 101836	File:GWR 'MINK A' No.101836.jpg	Restored	Built in 1925 at Swindon.
Mink A ventilated van	No. 145428	File:GWR 'MINK A' No.145428.jpg	Restored	Built in 1944 at Swindon.
Mink A ventilated van	No. W146366	File:GWR 'MINK A' No.W 146366.jpg	Restored	Built in 1948 at Swindon.
Open A open wagon	No. 117993	File:GWR 'OPEN A' No.117993.jpg	Restored	Built in 1930 at Swindon.
Open C open wagon	No. 94835	File:GWR 'OPEN C' No.94835.jpg	Restored	Built in 1920 at Swindon.
Open wagon	No. 143698			Built in 1945 at Swindon.
Clay wagon	No. 92943	File:GWR 'CLAY' No.92943 - 46943992292.jpg	Restored	Built in 1913 at Swindon.
'Tevan' perishable traffic van	No. 79933	File:GWR 'TEVAN' No.79933.jpg	Restored	Built in 1922 at Swindon; converted 1938 from 'Mica B' refrigerated meat van.
'Mica B' refigerated meat van	No. 105860		Restored	Built in 1925 at Swindon.
"Fruit B" Banana Van	No. 1055993	File:GWR 'FRUIT B' No.105599.jpg	Restored	Built in 1929 at Swindon.
'Mogo' Motor Car Goods Van	No. 105742	File:GWR 'MOGO' No.105742 - 33802521078.jpg	Restored	Built in 1936 at Swindon.
'Asmo' Motor Car Van	No. 116954			Built in 1930 at Swindon.
'Cone' Gunpowder Van	No. 105781	File:Gunpowder van Didcot Railway Centre 20th February 2023.jpg	Restored	Built in 1939 at Swindon.
Shunters' truck	No. 100377	File:GWR wagon M4 100377.jpg	Operational	Built in 1953 at Swindon, converted from underframe of 'Mink A' van.
Ballast wagon	No. 80659	File:GWR 'STARFISH' No.80659 - 33802521998.jpg	Operational	Built in 1936 at Swindon.
Ballast wagon	No. 80668	File:GWR 'STARFISH' No.80668 - 47634170422.jpg	Operational	Built in 1936 at Swindon.
Ballast wagon	No. 80789	File:GWR 'TUNNEY' No.80789.jpg	Operational	Built in 1937 at Swindon.
Chaired sleeper wagon	No. 100682 (GWS 91200)	File:GWS 91200.jpg	Operational	Built in 1939 at Swindon.
Hand crane and match truck	No. 205	File:GWR Crane No.ADW205 - 33819761068.jpg	Restored, non-operational	Built in 1894 at Swindon.
Hand crane	No. 537	File:GWR 537.jpg	Restored, non-operational	Built in 1899 at Swindon.
Pooley mobile workshop van	No. 82917	File:GWR 82917.jpg	In staff use	Built in 1911 at Swindon as standard covered van; rebuilt 1934 for use of Henry Pooley & Co., the GWR's maintenance contractor for weighbridges.
Demountable beer tank wagon, displayed as aircraft propeller wagon	No. B749039	File:BR 749039.jpg	Restored, non-operational	Built in 1951 at Shildon.
2 ft gauge slate wagon	No. 67 (?)	File:GWR NG Slate Wagon.jpg	Under restoration	Built in 1903 at Swindon. Used for traffic from Manod to Blaenau Festiniog.

Road transport

File:GWR lorries.jpg

Two ex GWR Thornycroft lorries awaiting restoration

The society has collected a number of road vhicles including two Thornycroft A1 lorries, dating from 1929 and 1930, and the Swindon works fire tender, dating from 1940.<ref>Leaflet published by the Great Western Trust, 2025</ref> The lorries are displayed in a road motor garage recovered from Wantage Road station.

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External links

• Official website
• Listed building information:
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