Pannier & Pannier Supplements

Pannier is an occasional journal published by the Group. This is a quality A4-sized publication and includes substantial papers and historical information.

Pannier Supplements are occasional A5-sized booklets dedicated to a particular subject.

The Group maintains all past Panniers in print; back issues can be purchased at the Group's sales stand or may be ordered from:
Publications Officer, Great Western Study Group, The White House, Frogmore, Kingsbridge, Devon. TQ7 2NZ.

PANNIERS £4.00 each (UK P&P £2.10 each, £3.50 for up to 5 copies)
PANNIER SUPPLEMENTS £3.00 each, (members: £2.00) (UK P&P £1.00 each)
PANNIER BINDERS £8.50 each (Collection from Sales Stand only)

Please make cheques payable to 'Great Western Study Group' (overseas orders payable in pounds sterling).

Pannier Supplements

• No.1 (May 2021, 24 pages): Corrections to 'A Pictorial Record of GWR Coaches', Part One (1838 - 1913) & Part Two (1903 - 1948) by J H Russell (Oxford Publishing Co.)
• No.2 (November 2021, 28 pages): Reprint of Swindon Engineering Society Pamphlet 180: 'Running Shed Practice'. This is the text of a paper presented to a meeting of the Society by Mr H W Knott in February 1931 together with the subsequent discussion.

Click on a cover image for a larger version.

Pannier No.50 Autumn 2024 (44 pages)

Permanent Way Special

• The Permanent Way of Railways (Article from GWR Magazine of February 1908)
• Marlborough Cutting Chalk Removal (Description of problems encountered when drilling holes for explosives in flinty soil) (Engineering Bulletin of June 1956)
• Taylor's Patent Cladding (Potential replacement for corrugated iron sheeting used to limited extent by GWR, qv Moor Street Goods Shed) (Martin Goodall)
• Moor Street Station (Article from GWR Magazine of June 1916)
• Moveable Elbows on the GWR, Part 1 (Reg Instone)
• Ballast and Ballasting (Article from PW Institution Journal of April 1928)
• Plymouth District PW Inspectors' Map (Map undated but post-1947) (Robert Ferris)
• Drainage of Bridges (Article from PW Institution Journal of April 1927)
• GWR Motor Economic System of PW Maintenance (Description of system intoduced from 1901) (Robert Ferris)
• Odds & Ends (2 Photos of 2-plank wagons in Departmental use) (Jack Slinn collection)
• GWR 0-4-2ST No.96 (Follow-up to Pannier 48 article describing No. 95) (John Lewis)
• The PW Gang's Equipment (Transcription of official list for Gang No.91, Taunton District) (Robert Ferris)
• Stained Glass (The GWR's representation in the stained glass of 2 churches, Swindon & Taunton) (John Palk)

Pannier No.49 Winter 2023 - 2024 (40 pages)

• GWR Census 1923 (A summary based on an official post-grouping Report) (GW Trust)
• Modern Marshalling Yards (from the Railway Gazette, December 1933)
• The Great Western Trust - an Introduction (GWT)
• Pagoda (The distinctive structures described) (Tony Wood)
• The Southall Autotrain (Two 1905 photographs analysed) (John Lewis)
• Caerphilly Castle (A celebration of the first of the class) (Paul Denton)
• More on No.95 (A follow-up to the article in Pannier 48) (John Bolton)
• Safe Working of Railways (The suggested text for a 1905 lecture & sections from the 1904 GWR Handbook) (Robert Ferris)
• Examination for Look-Out Men (A 1913 document for testing to Rule 273) (Robert Ferris)
• Goods in Small Consignments (An introduction based on official GWR documents) (Keith Ettle)
• Where is it? (A mid-1950s photo of Castle 5050 at an unrecognised shed) (Chris Youett)

Pannier No.48 Summer 2023 (40 pages)

• What is an ELR? (Engineers Line Reference) (Tony Wood)
• The work of a large passenger station (WR Deb. Soc. Lecture 1950) (W T Geden, SM Paddington)
• Profile of a Station Master (W T Geden, SM Paddington) (Paul Denton)
• Reconstruction at Paddington (GWR Mag Article from May 1923) (A C Cookson/Keith Ettle)
• Who was William Albert Hart? (name on c1870 photo leads Tony along a fascinating genealogical trail) (Tony Wood)
• Broad Gauge Kingswear Branch Trains (Analysis of 2 photographs) (John Lewis)
• GWR Branding (Photos of crockery from GWT's collection) (Ann Middleton/GWT)
• I have a theory (Keith ponders on some coach conundrums) (Keith Ettle)
• The Four Castles (Photos of the recent gathering at Didcot) (Paul Denton)
• GWR No.95 an engine we know little about (John Lewis)
• Odds & Ends (1931 excursion handbills)

Pannier No.47 Spring 2022 (40 pages)

• Reminders of the past at Swindon (Significant buildings & memorials) (Richard North)
• More about XP markings (Follow-up to Pannier 46 article) (Robert Ferris)
• 2112 - A Tank with hidden depths (Dave Haines)
• R P Brereton (Brunel's Assistant) (Chris Avery)
• GWR Loading Gauges (David Gardner)
• The GWR Rock Collections (Brunel's Building Stone Collections) (Richard Porter)
• Collett's Folly: The Saga of the Missing Pony Truck (The Tale of the 56xx) (the late Peter Kearon, reprint of controversial 2003 article)
• The Wiltshire Agricultural Show 1925 (The Special Workings Required) (Richard Kelham)
• GWR Running-in Boards (Martin Goodall)
• Odds & Ends (Follow-ups to previous topics)

Pannier No.46 Spring 2021 (40 pages)

• The Byzantine Empire of Private Owner Wagons (Chris Gwilliam)
• Barmouth Junction North Box (Alan Rhodes)
• Station Buildings at Bodmin Road & Lostwithiel (Martin Goodall)
• GWR Coaching Stock Workings (John Chamney)
• Fencing the Railway (Tony Wood)
• Plymouth Millbay Dock (Keith Ettle & David Geen)
• The London Milk Distribution Scheme in the event of War Emergency (Greg Martin)
• Friar's Junction Signal Box (Graham Carpenter)
• What's in a Name? (Keith Ettle)
• St Austell Goods Shed & Yard (Keith Ettle)
• GWR Structure Colours. An Addendum: After WW2 (Richard North)
• Trowbridge Station (old hand-coloured postcard)
• XP Markings (John Lewis)
• Odds & Ends (Follow-ups to previous topics)

Pannier No.45 Spring 2020 (36 pages)

• Taunton Concrete Works
• GWR Provender Wagons
• Reading West Bridge Renewal
• B&ER First no.31 (Body used as chapel at Portbury)
• A Broad Gauge van at Yatton
• Stogumber Cattle Dock (1953)
• Taunton Signal & Milepost (follow-up to Pannier 44 photo)
• Henley Distant Signal (follow-up to Pannier 44 comment)
• Trucks at Swindon (identification of trucks in Pannier 44 photo)
• Staff Photograph: the Talyllyn Prize Length Winners (1938)
• Staff Photograph: Technicians in front of DRC 10
• Passenger Luggage in Advance Advertisement (follow-up to Pannier 38 article)

Pannier No.44 Spring 2019 (36 pages)

• GWR wagon brakes & the Board of Trade Rules
• GWR 'Private Road' Notices
• Tornado at Taunton (c1890)
• Castle 7007 on the 11:00 Hereford to Paddington 1953
• TARGET Boards in South Wales
• Early Minehead Coach Workings
• Westbury & Frome Avoiding Lines
• Prefabricated Crossing at Swindon
• Henley Distant Signal (follow-up to Pannier 42 article)
• Ride With Me on the Early Bird (follow-up to Pannier 42 article)
• Peter Squibb & some tales of the GWR in WW2
• Wagon 40137 (Lot 222, completed 1881)
• Two Macaw Bs (with long load of timber baulks)
• Signals at Taunton & Teignmouth
• W3 Mex (2 photos)
• Paddington Approach (1930s photo & trackplan)
• Diagram M13 (follow-up to Pannier 43 article)
• Newton Abbot Station (2 hand-coloured PCs c1910)

Pannier No.43 Autumn 2018 (36 pages)

• Bristol & South Wales: Changing Patterns of Traffic
• The 1.0pm Plymouth to Crewe (further info & photo following Pannier 42 article)
• GWR Air Services (further info & photos following Pannier 42 article)
• Chepstow Bridge (extract from GWR Magazine)
• Testing Chepstow Bridge 1962 (photos of 2 Kings on bridge)
• Swindon Works Laboratory
• Stand-by Electrical Supplies (official notices for 1930s colour light signalling at Paddington & Temple Meads)
• Outside Framed Parcels Van no. 833 to Diag. M13
• Stapleton Road Station (4 postcards, c1910 - 1914)
• Air-Raid Warning Arrangements (Exeter Division official notice)
• Mystery Lead Ore Wagon (Gloucester R C & W Co 1873 photo)
• More on the Dawlish Subway (follow-up to Pannier 42 photos)
• Wigmore Castle at Maidenhead (1930s Soole photo)
• Steam Lance testing (1945 photo)
• Some superb 7mm engines (4083 by Tony Reynalds, 6000 by Vic Green)
• Inter-Divisional Football Matches (humourous official notices from 1938, 1946, 1947 for Worcester v London matches)

Pannier No.42 Spring 2018 (36 pages)

• Railways in the Air: GWR Air Services Ltd
• Henley Distant Signal at Mill Lane (Lattice post)
• Bridge Renewal at Great Malvern (follow-up letters to Pannier 41 article)
• A Barnstaple Scene Unravelled (analysis of 2 well-known coach photos)
• Capturing the GWR in Miniature (Pendon report)
• Water Supply to Pylle Hill Goods Depot (1902 bill for 40 years supply!)
• Do You Know Your Train Register (Whiteball Siding, 1978)
• Ride With Me on the Early Bird (from 1938 GW Booklet)
• The 1.0pm Plymouth to Crewe (1930s photos + TCP Extract)
• GWR Footwarmers (Official 1900 Instructions)
• A GWR Platform Lamp (Drawing + Henley-in-Arden photo)
• Excursion at Penarth (1930s mystery photo)
• 9661 at Sonning (1950s photo)
• Iron Mink at Shrewsbury (DW298/024303, photo + further details)
• Siphon G Diag. O10 (Photo of unique vehicle)
• More GWR Hired-in Wagons (follow-up to Pannier 39 article)
• Dawlish in Old Postcards

Pannier No.41 Summer 2017 (24 pages)

• Redemption Hire Coal Wagons
• Hayes Sleeper Depot
• King George V on 28 June 1927 (2 official photos)
• Diagram O30 Open (photo of 124167)
• Accident at Reading Station 1914: Additional Information (see Pannier 34)
• Newton Abbot Station August 1924 (2 photographs)
• 2387 - A Unique Coach (Diagram D1 ex E8)
• Bridge Renewal at Great Malvern 1953 (official photo)
• Excursion Handbills (1936, 1939, 1951)
• Dean Goods in 7 1/4" Gauge

Pannier No.40 Spring 2017 (24 pages)

• Newbury Racecourse Specials (February 1939)
• A Codford Gathering
• Metal Roofed Bloaters (Diag. S11)
• More Tales of Tail Lamps
• GWR ATC Battery boxes
• Three four coupled Tank Engines (3521 class photographs)
• Slip Coach at Reading (April 1953 photographs)
• Three GWR Devon postcards

Pannier No.39 Autumn 2016 (24 pages)

• Radipole Halt
• Tail Lamps
• GWR Hired-in Wagons
• Two Views of Lostwithiel (1930s)
• Five GWR Personalities (C19th)
• Another Helping of Fish
• So Sorry (Letter to competition loser!)
• Back Driven Signals
• Map (Folded Pocket Version)

Pannier No.38 Spring 2016 (24 pages)

• Rails & Rail Lubricators
• William Shakespeare & the GWR
• Automatic Train Control
• Coach End Dimensions & Loading Gauge
• Passenger Luggage in Advance
• Fish Traffic Working (1935 Handbill)
• Old SDR Coach body? (photograph)
• 3537 at Exeter (photographs)
• Hired Wagons Missing (1913 circular)
• Working of Travelling Cranes (1915 circular)
• Roath Branch Junction Signals (photograph)

Pannier No.37 Autumn 2015 (24 pages)

• Bovey Tracey Station
• Unloading a Coral A
• From the Cambrian (Llwyngwril Signal Box)
• Frying Tonight! (Fish traffic from beyond the GWR)
• Castle in the air (7005 from below)
• Signal Box Interiors (Silk Mill Crossing, Norton Fitzwarren Junc., & Huish Crossing)
• War Memorials
• Passengers Entraining (2 official photographs)
• Victualling Restaurant Cars
• King George V on shed (1928 photographs)
• Flange Oiler at Langstone Rock (1939 photograph)

Pannier No.36 Summer 2015 (24 pages)

• Reminisences of a Great Western Apprentice (at Wolverhampton Works)
• Dean Goods at War - a follow up (see Pannier 35)
• GLM/WAC 'Pole' 20 Ton wagon
• Westinghouse Signals (Abergavenny)
• GWR & WR Branded Parcel Train Brake Vans
• Newton Abbot Up Starters
• Portrait of a Gate (Haresfield, 1901)
• GWR Publicity Department material (Bookmarks)
• Another Banana Van (Y14, 1925)

Pannier No.35 Spring 2015 (24 pages)

• The 1925 Van Exchange (with LNER)
• Early Cornish Perishable Traffic (C19th)
• Broad Gauge Postcards (Hand coloured)
• Dean Goods Locos at War (photo-feature)
• Lostwithial Goods Shed
• The 'Viaduct' Coach (see Pannier 34)

Pannier No.34 Autumn 2014 (24 pages)

• A Visit to Swindon Works (c1930)
• Montacute Station - A Miscellany
• An Accident at Reading Station (1914)
• Rebuilding Milltown Viaduct (1896)
• A Cambrian Miscellany
• WWII Anti-glare screens for Tender Locomotives
• GWR Structure Colours (Additional Notes)
• Avonmouth Docks (1920 photograph)

Pannier No.33 Winter 2013/14 (24 pages)

• Walkham Viaduct
• Codsall Station
• Carriage 249/W80978
• The Dean/Churchward Transition
• Combined Name and Number Plates (photos)
• Diagram U1 Stone Wagons
• Minks B, C, and D (photos)
• Trailer 92: photos of the newly preserved Diag. U coach

Pannier No.32 Spring 2013 (24 pages)

• Brakes and Minks B, C, and D
• USA Locomotives (wartime photos)
• More Monkey Train photos - Excursion Trains to Clifton Down
• Plymouth North Road Reconstruction (photos from 1940)
• The Safety Movement Part 5: Did it work?
• GWR Cabside Numberplates Part 3
• A Nameless Saint (photos of 2978)

Pannier No.31 Winter 2013 (24 pages)

• GWR Toad 35831 (Diag AA4)
• The Safety Movement Part 4: The Messages
• An Unusual Occurrence (accident at Wishford in 1874)
• P4 GWR and PO wagon modelling description Part 2
• Photos from Jack Slinn collection (incl. Hayes creosoting yard)
• 1944 Ambulance train drawing
• Tettenhall station buildings
• Cataloguing the Swindon Drawings

Pannier No.30 Summer 2012 (24 pages)

• The Safety Movement Part 3: Innovative Safety Techniques
• More Monkey Train photos - Excursion Trains to Clifton Down
• Loco 100 A1 Lloyds portrait photo
• Benefits of GWSG Web Group
• GWR Cabside Nameplates Part 2
• P4 GWR and PO wagon modelling description Part 1
• 'Last Journey at Bramley' (1936 GWR film still images)

Pannier No.29 Spring 2011 (24 pages)

• The Safety Movement Part 2: The GW Magazine Articles & Safety Booklets
• Monkey Trains - Excursion Trains to Clifton Down, for Bristol Zoo
• The Butts Spur Line, Worcester

Pannier No.28 Winter 2010 (20 pages)

• Blagdon (Wrington Vale Light Railway)
• The Safety Movement Part 1: An Introduction
• Further Notes on the "Armstrongs" and their Predecessors
• The Dean/Churchward Transition [corrected version of Pannier No.27]
• Tornado [corrected version of Pannier No.27]
• Riding of Coaching Stock

Pannier No.27 Spring 2010 (28 pages)

• Wolverhampton Low level
• Collett Bow End van third 5106
• The Dean/Churchward Transition
• GWR Cabside Numberplates Part 1
• Westbury Station
• A Great Western Locomotive in an unusual role at Blandford
• Tornado (A GW locomotive name)

Pannier No.26 Summer 2009 (28 pages)

• Birmingham Snow Hill Side Entrance
• Notes on the Armstrongs and their Predecessors
• Traffic Through Oxford in 1902
• Ernest Wiltshire - Driver
• Scratchbuilding Interesting Prototypes
• Last Journey in Close Up
• Swindon Locomotive Change

Pannier No.25 Spring 2009 (32 pages)

• Coach 2400
• Notes On "The Great Bear"
• Brent
• Last Boat Trains to Avonmouth

Pannier No.24 Winter 2008 (28 pages)

• Hallen Marsh
• Freight Train Formations
• Handling Railway Scrap
• Albert Edward Wiltshire
• Clerestory Luggage Tri-Composite no.(6)820
• The Yeovil Complexity
• Carews
• Articulated Stock in the Movies

Pannier No.23 Spring 2008 (28 pages)

• Great Western Pullman Coaches
• Codsall Signal Box
• Hallen Marsh Junction
• A29 Autocoach
• Dean 48ft Brake
• Breakaways
• Season Tickets

Pannier No.22 Winter 2006/2007 (32 pages)

• GWR Magazine - Death of Mr.G.J.Churchward
• Chains & Shackles
• GWR Magazine - "His Masters Voice" Radio Show Train
• Two 'Siphons'
• More Siphons
• Frogmore Grab Handles
• Whitewash Coach Revisited
• Listing of GWR Wagons in Preservation
• Making "The Last Journey" Film on the GWR

Pannier No.21 Winter 2005/2006 (32 pages)

• Toad W35403-Norwich
• Milk Train
• Streamliners
• Dean Goods 2516
• The 'Whitewash coach (DW) 139
• Whitewash Coach Great Western Magazin extracts
• Cosford Signal Box
• More Great Western Vans
• Blagdon Station, Wrington Vae Light Railway

Pannier No.20 Summer 2005 (24 pages)

• The REAL American Bogie
• Notes on the "Krugers"
• Long Lived Toads
• Three Barnstaple branch trains
• 2935 Caynham Court
• Hawksworth Coaches
• Diagram O27 Opens
• Index to Pannier Issues 1-18

Pannier No.19 Summer 2004 (20 pages)

• GW Brake Van Brandings
• Rare Autocoach Photograph
• More Wagon Photographs
• Diffident and Different but they did exist
• An Unusual Carriage
• Vintage Rake
• Westbury Semaphores
• Starcross Occupation Crossing

Pannier No.18 Winter 2003 (24 pages)

• GWR Locomotive Tenders Part 2, 1926-1962
• Coal Traffic and Private Owner Wagons in the South West

Pannier No.17 Spring 2003 (28 pages)

• GWR Narrow Gauge Locomotive Tenders Part 1, 1854-1952
• Birches and Billbrook Halt

Pannier No.16 Autumn 2002 (20 pages)

• GWR Load and Structure Gauges
• Private Owner wagons in the South West
• Broad Gauge Load and Structure 1877
• Load and Structure 1933
• Barlow Rail
• Accident at Norton Fitzwarren 1890
• GWR Rail Built Stop Blocks

Pannier No.15 Winter 2002 (28 pages)

• GWR 4 and 6 wheel Coach Designs in the Dean Era
• Transatlantic Travel Illustrations
• Coal traffic and Private Owner wagons in the South West
• China Clay Wagons
• Newport (High Street)
• GWR Clerestory Bogie Coaches
• Saddle Tank Lettering - another viewpoint

Pannier No.14 Autumn 2001 (24 pages)

• GWR Early 8 wheel Clerestory Coaches
• A Wonderful Country Branch Station
• Lettering on Saddle Tanks
• Transatlantic Travel and GW Hotels
• Diary of a Bristolian

Pannier No.13 Spring 2001 (20 pages)

• Mechanism of Livery Change
• Whit Weekend Train Identification in the 1930's
• Outside Frame Wooden Vans
• Barlow Rail

Pannier No.12 Autumn 2000 (20 pages)

• Four and Six Wheel Coaches in the Dean Era
• In Search of a Saloon
• Third Class Saloon Dia G20
• Beer and Co Wagons

Pannier No.11 Spring 2000 (20 pages)

• Timetables and stock allocation for Clarbeston Road
• Whit Weekend Train Identification in the 1930's
• Coal Traffic and Private Owner Wagons in the South West
• Pentewan
• GWR Ground Signals
• Derailed Special near Pershore circa 1900

Pannier No.10 Summer 1998 (20 pages)

• Cover Notes - New Milford
• GWR Coach Working - Intermediate Services
• GWR 4 and 6 Wheel Coaches (Part 2)
• GWR Miscellany
• New Milford
• Dinmore Tunnel

Pannier No.9 Autumn 1997 (20 pages)

• Cover Notes - Exeter St David's
• Great Western Through Coach Working
• GWR 4 and 6 Wheel Coaches (Part 1)
• GWR Shipping Interest
• GWR Structure Colours
• 3451 'Pelican"

Pannier No. 8 Winter 1996 (24 pages)

• List of Restaurant and Sleeping Cars, Kitchen and Buffet Coaches
• GWR Standard Destination Boards
• Droitwich Station September 19923
• Coal Traffic in the South West
• Getting Started on the Knowledge
• GWR Dia K12 Stores Van
• GWR Structure Colours

Pannier No. 7 Spring 1996 (12 pages)

• Cover Notes - Diesel Railcar
• Braking Arrangements for the Tall V4 vans
• The Reg Cooper Negatives
• The Burford Branch
• Of Some Interest

Pannier No. 6 Summer 1994 (16 pages)

• Cover Notes - Torbay Express
• The 844 Class (Cambrian Railways 15 Class)
• GWR 3 Plank Open Wagons
• Brunel's Cornish Viaducts
• Bristol Divisional Superintendents Office in Latter GW Days
• Of Some Interest
• Interlude at Great Malvern

Pannier No. 5 Summer 1992 (16 pages)

• Cover Notes - Cornish Riviera Limited departs Paddington
• Taking Stock pt 1 - Coaching Stock for Brent
• Hole in the Wall - Victoria Station 1865
• Diagram R Steam Railmotor - Blacksmith Model
• Selecting Prototype Buildings for a GWR Layout
• Of Some Interest
• What do you Know?

Pannier No. 4 Summer 1992 (16 pages)

• Cover Notes - Broad Gauge Locos in Swindon Storage Sidings
• Tregenna Castle Hotel, St Ives
• Photo Feature - GWR 4-4-0 No 3559 by Tony Reynalds
• A Summer Saturday Arrival
• The GWR in the First World War
• GWR Goods Yard Cranes
• Y2 Fruit Vans - Postscript

Pannier No. 3 Winter 1991 (20 pages)

• Cover Notes - New Milford 1904
• The GWR Dia Y2 Fruit Vans
• Station Truck Working
• Route Indicator Signals in 4mm
• GWR 6 wheeled Siphon - Detailing to D&S kit
• The Cornish Riviera Paintings of Murray Secretan
• Glorious Devon
• The Mew
• Livery Matters

Pannier No. 2 (16 pages)

• The Buildings of Hungerford pt 2
• Station Truck Working to Fairford
• Personal Recollection of an Evening Excursion, 50 Years On
• Early Great Western Stock Report Forms
• A Coach Livery Detail

Pannier No. 1 (16 pages)

• The Khaki Livery 1915-1917
• Memo from General Manager 1902
• The Construction of Hungerford in 4mm
• GWR Coach Liveries 1946-1948
• Wells (Somerset)