by Tony Peters, Glamorgan Archives
As we recently celebrated the 200th anniversary of the first locomotive-drawn passenger service, we have delved into our records to unearth photographs of some of the magnificent steam trains that were ‘Made in Wales’.
The selection below is unusual in that the locomotives were never seen at a station or on a main line for they were built at, and for the exclusive use of, the Dowlais Iron Company. Nevertheless, in their design and finish, they were a match for their contemporaries and arguably ‘fit for a King’.
From 1832 onwards the Dowlais Iron Company used steam locomotives on site to move heavy loads. However, it was not until the turn of the century that the company elected to manufacture its own locomotives at the Ifor Works engineering shop. This decision coincided with a change in ownership, with the company acquired by Guest, Keen and Co in 1899 (known as Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds from 1902) and the arrival of George Robson as Locomotive and Engineering Superintendent.
Robson had worked at the Great Western Railway works at Swindon. Drawing on his experience and background, the first engine built under his supervision at the Ifor Works in 1906 was similar in looks and power to mainline engines operated by the GWR. Turned out in a very distinctive green and black livery edged with yellow, it was an impressive sight and named, appropriately, after the company chairman, Arthur Keen.
It was no surprise that, when King George V and Queen Mary visited the Dowlais works in June 1912, Robson’s locomotives were called into service. Such was the scale of the Dowlais site that it was decided that the Royal Party would travel across the works in carriages provided by the London and North Western Railway company and pulled by Dowlais’ own locomotives, with George Robson in the cabin.
The photograph shows ‘Arthur Keen’ drawn up with the two carriages awaiting the arrival of the King and Queen. In reports of the visit, it was noted that the engine was the subject of much …admiring comment… and a …perfect example of sound engineering construction.
The opportunity was also taken during the visit for Queen Mary to name two new locomotives positioned adjacent to the Steel Arch constructed at the High Street exit of the works. Described as the …latest word on locomotive building, the engines, until then, had been known as numbers 40 and 42. However, afterwards, both carried plates confirming their new identity as the ‘King George V’ and ‘Queen Mary’.
In all, nine new locomotives were built at the Ifor works and many more were refitted before the works closed in 1930. Photographs of a selection of the locomotives employed by the Dowlais Iron Company from 1832 onwards can be found at Glamorgan Archives under reference DG/PH/3. The Glamorgan Archives catalogue can be accessed at https://canfod.glamarchives.gov.uk/.
This article is reproduced with the kind permission of the Glamorgan Archives. To view the original, please follow the link below.