Steam & Railway Image Library - The Alan Ledger Collection

October 10, 2023

The Heartbeat of British Rail: Saltley Loco Sheds, Birmingham

In the heart of Birmingham, a city steeped in industrial history, lies a railway hub that served as a vital cog in the transportation wheel – Saltley Loco Sheds. This article is just a very brief account of the history of Saltley Loco Sheds, exploring its inception, development, and eventual legacy as a testament to the evolution of railways in Britain. Origins and Establishment The story of Saltley Loco Sheds begins in the mid-19th century when the explosive growth of

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A Century of Steam: Locomotives in 20th Century Britain

The 20th century stands as a pivotal period in the history of Britain’s railways, characterised by the dominance, decline, and enduring legacy of steam locomotives. From the onset of the century to the mid-20th century, these formidable machines were integral to industrial, social, and technological progress, shaping the landscape of a nation in transition. Early 20th Century: The Golden Age As the 20th century dawned, steam locomotives were the driving force of Britain’s burgeoning railway system. The ‘Big Four’ railway

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