SMR - Great Western

LOCOMOTIVE PAGES:

Trojan, No.471
Maid of Kent, No.260
Earl of Berkeley, No.5060
Great Western, No.7007

HISTORY PAGES:

Historical Overview
Staffing History
Freight Wagon History
Passenger Coach History

OTHER PAGES:

Main Home Page
Contact (email)
Alex Schwab, owner
Saltwood Village

“GREAT WESTERN”

With the re-opening of the line in 1974, and the switch to electric motive power, there was a clear need once more for a second locomotive.

Alex Schwab had bought 5060 second hand (although only one year old), but now set about designing a brand new engine. He worked with Tom Smith of Lechlade, who had supplied the first electric engine, and together they produced the locomotive which entered service in 1976 bearing the number 7007 and the name “Great Western”.

Above: “Great Western” on shed with batteries recharging in 1983. The other locomotive, “Earl of Berkeley”, is directly over the extensive inspection pit. The photograph shows two of the roads in this three-road shed.

Above: “Great Western” passing the site of the former Tanner’s House Halt. Although it was not known at the time, this was the final day of operation, before the death of Alex Schwab. This is thought to be the last photograph ever taken of the railway’s owner/operator.

By mutual agreement “Great Western” was supplied slightly unfinished, so that Alex Schwab could make some alterations. Tom Smith had a very practical approach to design and construction, which sometimes left Alex Schwab wanting a little more in the way of attention to detail. The unfinished delivery condition was a compromise, allowing Alex to add the ‘finishing touches’.

“Great Western” returned to Lechlade after the death of Alex Schwab, but her present location is unknown.