GWR Route: The North Warwickshire Line

GWR Route: Stratford on Avon to Hatton

Stratford on Avon Shed: gwrsa1573a

Close up of image 'gwrsa1573' showing the new engine shed and, behind the gas lamp post, the sand bin and associated furnace for drying the sand. Gravity sanding was standard equipment on all Great Western Railway locomotives, although forced steam sanding was tested, it was never adopted. The sand was used to help the locomotive's wheels adhere to wet or greasy track, particularly when starting or stopping. Dry sand was carried in sand boxes and when required this could be directly applied via pipes to the rails adjacent to the locomotive's front and back driving wheels to aid adhesion. It was important to keep the sand dry or it could stick in the pipes.

Robert Ferris

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