The Locomotives Railway and History 1915-1920 of National Shell Fi...

The Locomotives Railway and History 1915-1920 of National Shell Filling Factory No.6 Chilwell

Chilwell’s significance is that it produced over 50% of all the shells used in France during
WW1 and was one of the largest, most modern factories of its time. It was conceived,
designed and controlled by Lord Chetwynd, for the Ministry of Munitions.
Within the book’s 144 pages are ten chapters covering subjects such as the identification of a
suitable site, the factory’s construction, operation, and its employees’ conditions. The 32-
page main chapter focuses on nine standard gauge industrial locomotives that were used on
its 15 miles of internal railway – an unusually disparate fleet including, remarkably, one
German-built machine, constructed shortly before the war. Details of the locomotives’
builders and previous and/or subsequent histories are examined. Also considered is the
involvement of the Midland Railway Company in developing the main line connection and
passenger station serving the factory.

Softback