Tim Hillier-Graves

George Churchward is regarded by many, including the towering figures of Nigel Gresley, William Stanier and Andre Chapelon, as the most inventive, ingenious and successful steam locomotive designer there has ever been. When given the opportunity to comment these three exceptional engineers made their admiration for him and his many achievements a matter of historical fact.Now, a 100 or so years since Churchward retired from the GWR, his reputation is just as revered, as is the influence he had on the work of others. But, as with other notable figures, many details of his life and work have become mythologised or forgotten. So the time for an update and re-evaluation of his story is long overdue.In this richly illustrated book the author re-appraises Churchward’s life and work and assesses this pivotal period in railway history. In so doing he considers the true extent of his achievements and effect of his work on the great railway engineers that followed and the effect his leadership had on the GWR as a whole and the organisation he controlled at a time of immense social and political change.

During the 1930s, with the end of steam locomotion being actively considered, many looked to develop engines powered by diesel and electricity. But for the coming of war in 1939, and the acute recession that followed, much more might have been accomplished. Nevertheless, the die had been cast and during the late 1940s and 1950s designers stepped up their efforts to find efficient and effective alternatives to steam. Amongst their number was John Hughes who, whilst working for English Electric designing turbine engines, saw how this power source might be used to drive locomotives. In part he was encouraged in these endeavours by William Stanier’s 1935 introduced Pacific ‘Turbomotive’ and wished to continue this experiment and exploit its potential more fully.For some the development of diesel and electric engines was the only logical course to take, but not Hughes who doggedly pursued his dream of seeing gas turbine engines dominating Britain’s railway network. Despite many setbacks, and lack of funds, he refused to give up and eventually saw his locomotive, GT3, built and then begin a prolonged period of trial running. But having finally achieved this ambition, the powers that be decided that the experiment had gone far enough and would go no further, much to Hughes’ anger and frustration.This is a ‘what might have been story’ which, although ultimately unsuccessful, tells us much about the nature of design engineering and the need for determined, radical thinkers who are prepared to push back scientific boundaries. In this case GT3 came close to being the first of a type of engine that might have changed the direction Britain’s railways took as steam came to an end. As such it is a near miss worthy of remembrance.To aid this work Hughes left a unique archive of documents, drawings and photos, in public and private hands, to help us understand the nature of his work and what drove him on despite the long odds he faced.