GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

Hockley Station: gwrhd692b

Close up of image 'gwrhd692' showing mainly GWR box vans being assembled on the roads adjacent to the 'goods outwards' shed. Box vans offered security and protection from inclement weather but were limited to being loaded or unloaded by hand whereas open wagons could take advantage of cranes where appropriate. The open wagons would be sheeted, that is covered by a tarpaulin to provide protection not just from the weather but from errant sparks and coal embers. However it was not unknown that box vans had to have their loads protected internally due to leaking roofs. The two men in the dark suits are shunters as indicated by the poles they are seen to be holding. The man in the straw boater is probably a senior manager, the hat providing a key to his level of seniority.

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