Steam locomotives

Once the backbone of British industry these fine machines began to be phased out during the 1950s. This was escalated dramatically through the 1960s until 1968 when the last steam service ran on British Railways.

Some locomotives were saved for the nation by the National Railway Museum. Some were bought complete and working from British Railways such as 92203 Black Prince but for the majority of preserved locomotives it is thanks to a South Wales scrap merchant that they survive. Dai Woodham like so many in the 60s bought up steam locomotives to scrap at his yard in Barry, South Wales. The fortunate 200+ locos bought by Woodhams found themselves in a queue for scapping behind a large number of wagons and as such their scrapping was delayed. As time went on enthusiasts and groups became away of this treasure trove of locomotives quietly rusting away in the sea air. Gradually, one by one they were bought, restored and steamed again.