Canton Depot

Canton Traction Maintenance Depot was rebuilt and opened on 18 September 1964 as a heavy maintenance and servicing facility for diesel locomotives, shunters and multiple units. The depot had facilities to carry out collision-damage repairs, power-unit changes, wheel turning and load-bank testing. A very close working relationship with its customers resulted in hire contracts with Valley Lines and Allied Steel & Wire Limited. With the demise of coal, steel and mail traffic, and excess maintenance capacity in the company, the depot sadly closed on 30 May 2004 and some of the skilled staff and minor maintenance work was transferred to Margam Servicing Depot. With a wealth of previously unpublished images, Martin Bray offers a loving tribute to this popular South Wales railway depot.