Self-propelled carriages were a big innovation at the beginning of the 20th century, and the GWR was quick to develop a large number of steam motor cars to link farms and scattered villages to the new branch lines. Their steam motor cars ran from 1903-1935, stopping during the war, and were so effective at making rural areas accessible they became victims of their own success. Wagons brought in to meet the demand proved too heavy for the carriages and they struggled on hills, and after they stopped service all 99 steam carriages were eventually scrapped. Engineer Ken Gibbs reveals the unique GWR carriages, a window into early 20th century transport, and the modern-replica he helped build, now the only way of viewing these charming cars.
Self-propelled carriages were a big innovation at the beginning of the 20th century, and the GWR was quick to develop a large number of steam motor cars to link farms and scattered villages to the new branch lines. Their steam motor cars ran from 1903-1935, stopping during the war, and were so effective at making rural areas accessible they became victims of their own success. Wagons brought in to meet the demand proved too heavy for the carriages and they struggled on hills, and after they stopped service all 99 steam carriages were eventually scrapped. Engineer Ken Gibbs reveals the unique GWR carriages, a window into early 20th century transport, and the modern-replica he helped build, now the only way of viewing these charming cars.
Barnes & Noble is the world’s largest retail bookseller and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products. Our Nook Digital business offers a lineup of NOOK® tablets and e-Readers and an expansive collection of digital reading content through the NOOK Store®. Barnes & Noble’s mission is to operate the best omni-channel specialty retail business in America, helping both our customers and booksellers reach their aspirations, while being a credit to the communities we serve.
