A rare look inside Cardiff Canton Diesel Depot 30/09/1990

[@jamesbick7957]

My Grandad worked here for a number of years and on one of his days off took me in for a quick tour. This would have been around the time this video was filmed. As a young boy I was blown away by the scale and spectacle of the place. My Grandad has not long passed away and watching this video filled in so many of the gaps in my recollection of that day. It has brought alive again that precious memory of him. Thank you.

[@robmasterman]

Hello James, how wonderful that this video has brought back happy memories of your visit to Canton, after the da loss of your Grandad....Regards....Bob

[@wildfire160]

I worked there for 23yrs i think i started there a couple of year after this video was made but i recognize a hell of a lot of it even though there were huge changes to some parts...

[@johnwalton6642]

Great atmospheric filming of what I took for granted in the 60's and 70's.Permission to enter was not considered a prerequisite, I simply avoided the door marked 'Foreman's Office.' Sheds,both steam and diesel were no problem from Canton to Carlisle (and anywhere else I roamed). Nowadays, I feel like I am being strip searched,by officiousness as I walk past my local Tesco security.Life has changed! However,I prefer to be 61 rather than 16. Many thanks for sharing and rekindling my memories of many happy times.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks John, back in the sixties, we always entered from the rear of the sheds, and took the numbers as we were being shown out..great days....I did have permission to video on this occasion, which allowed me access to all parts....Bob

[@robertcronshaw3769]

I have just shown this fantastic video to my next door neighbor who actually worked at Canton Depot at the same time that you captured this footage. He was absolutely thrilled to see some of his workmakes and he said it brings back memories of a great time in his life.

[@robmasterman]

Sorry for the delay in replying Robert, but I'm delighted that your neighbour enjoyed this old footage at Canton.

[@markobrien1439]

Fantastic video Robert......those 37s and 47s what a sight....your video here is worth something now to view....but worth even more to in years ahead .....history in the making.....i miss the sound of these beast's ....thank you great video.

[@robmasterman]

Thank you Mark, it's hard to believe that this was captured 30 years ago now.

[@markobrien1439]

@@robmasterman i live on the outskirts of Swansea right by the Trostre line have done since a lad.....and know these loco's inside out....miss them 37s up and down the line....end of an error....thanks for the video's i love them 👍

[@hemerdonbank]

Great archive footage, scenes that will never be seen again. Wonderful to see, Bob. Keith

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Keith, you don't often have the opportunity to see behind the scenes at a Major Diesel Depot.....Regards...Bob

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

It just goes to show how things change over time. It is good that you have kept such material Bob for us all to enjoy now.

[@robmasterman]

It certainly has Mike, but who knew what was to happen when this material was captured....Bob

[@JPMiller14]

Excellent Bob, no doubt this visit was a highlight for you, incredible footage from nearly 25yrs ago, lots to be seen. What a peculiar DMU type vehicle at 21min, not seen one of these coaches before.....

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Justin, when I was capturing this, I never thought I would be sharing it 25 years later on the Internet.....the DMU you refer to was a non- motorised car used as an additional vehicle with Single car units....in this video you see it as converted for Sandite Duties, with a large hopper seen inside....Bob

[@whatsonyourchannel]

Great Video, Such a shame we never had HD back when things like this were so good. But still nice to see. Thanks Bob

[@robmasterman]

+whatsonyourchannel So very true, when I took this, I never thought in a million years that I would be sharing it all over the World...although poor by today's standards....still better than nothing :o).....Thanks for your kind comments....Bob

[@pwalpar]

Wow you really had a good look at the place. Thanks for sharing Bob

[@robmasterman]

It's a long one Walter, but hopefully of interest...Bob

[@TheAudiostud]

I watched a Pathe British Rail Film from the 40/50's it tells the story of a young lad starting his career on the Railways and you watch his journey & that of his Mate, he starts of as a cleaner and works his way up thru the Ranks, Links or Chains never knew the command on the Railway, but what the film showed is that by starting at the bottom & working your way up, you get to know your locomotive inside out! just a great shame they no longer have apprenticeships! Great Work, Well Done! putting your new camera to good work Bob

[@robmasterman]

So much has changed Rob, and little for the better, but as we get older, like cement we set hard and can't be fitted into new shapes...Bob

[@wildfire160]

It not fiction either ...i worked at Canton depot for 23yrs as a cleaner(it was VERY well paid) during my years there i saw cleaners become shunters then drivers and on the maintenance side fitters mates, fitters, supervisors and managers,it was a great place to work... Oddly when you wrote this i was still working there :)

[@bobnweaver]

Some incredible archive footage there Bob. What a lot of activity going on. Great viewing of a bygone age. Regards, Jeff.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Jeff, whilst we all saw Depots from the outside, it wasn't often that we had access to the inside...Best wishes...Bob

[@howarth004]

One of the perks of working on the Railway ? ...nice to see the workings inside a diesel workshop Bob , and of course hearing those sounds ....Dave

[@robmasterman]

I didn't work for the Railways at this time Dave, but I did have permission to video in the Depot......Bob

[@michaelteasdill6410]

How could you not like this?

[@robmasterman]

That's very kind of you to say so Michael, unfortunately you get individuals that, no matter what you upload will dislike it...It's their problem, not mine....Regards...Bob

[@KenBrownekb71000duke]

Very interesting footage Bob and how the locomotives have changed since then, thanks, Ken

[@robmasterman]

Like everything Ken, nothing stays the same for long these days....Best wishes....Bob

[@BrianTuckerRailvideos]

Wow Bob,there will be quite a few people who will enjoy this one, thoroughly enjoyed it, and it also starred my old school mate and 60/70s. Train spotting pal John Saddler who after working at Margam after Canton had finished ,is now at St Phillips Marsh. Thanks for sharing Regards Brian

[@robmasterman]

I was in two minds whether to upload this one Brian, so I'm delighted there may be some interest in it...Thanks for watching, and great that you recognise your friend John in it...Regards...Bob

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

Just awesome Bob....I was chuffed to see 56040 'Oystermouth' named after my Home village in Swansea. What a fascinating insight into the everyday working of Canton Depot back then. Also to think you Filmed this entirely for your own archives....and now we get to see it....Thanks to your perseverance...A massive well done that Man....Best wishes...Steve.~ P.s. 7 Days and counting !! lol

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Steve, something a little different that is rarely seen...as you say not long to go now....All the best...Bob

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Your video takes me back to bye gone days. My Son and I were last in CF on a booked visit by RESL, 1988.

[@robmasterman]

That's very rewarding, I was fortunate to be able to capture this footage, as open days at Canton, were very few and far between...Bob

[@saltleywsc]

Great Video Robert we won't see them days again !

[@robmasterman]

I know Merv, but at least memories from those days have been captured for us to look back on how it was.

[@TheMichaelWilcock2016Railways]

Another good one Bob. There appear to be so few of use willing to share, or even have, video from those days. Those were the days when access was much easier to obtain. Not a word about " Health and safety and high viz " Looking forward to your next one.........................Mike off into the garden.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Mike, I think it's a combination of not having sufficient quality material, and the lack of knowledge to process this analogue material to upload it to KZbin....enjoy the gardening....Bob

[@Bruno.Trains]

Fantastic! Superb video! Beautiful Dieseloco

[@robmasterman]

Thank you very much....Bob

[@hovermotion]

Wow....this an amazing video. ...the sounds in the back ground etc... A rare inside look ...I take it you worked in b.r at the time... Great to see your footage ....jim

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Jim, I did start my working life with BR, but I had finished when this was done...Bob

[@MegaCullie]

very nice bob only ever went round canton once long before i had a video camera it was nice to see 37901 glad to see it still running to this day cheers......kev

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Kev, it's changed out of all recognition now...Bob

[@trunksy4204]

I'm currently a fitter at canton depot now and it crazy to see how different it was back in the day 👍

[@robmasterman]

It certainly is different now, a great deal of change in 34 years.

[@aplinewalker]

What rare footage,,, and absolutely fascinating ,,,, a look inside a real Diesel maintenance unit ,,,, for anyone wanting to properly model a D,M.U it would give so much information ,,,,, on a real set up.... many thanks that was brilliant,,,,,

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Alan, I was privileged to have permission to do this 25 years ago, and I'm delighted to be able to share it after all these years.....Bob

[@djtrainspotter]

Wow this is some awesome footage!! Memories! Sneaked round there many a time and once, I was lucky enough to get an unofficial guided tour around the site in 90's just by turning up with a girlfriend in tow (it worked everytime at depots!), and i still got the 'loco's on shed' sheet and pictures. The staff at Cardiff TMD were by far the friendliest, unlike others i could mention lol, so a big thanks to 'him' ;) . . great vid this, got this on loop! Cheers :D

[@robmasterman]

I'm very pleased that you've enjoyed this upload, along with the happy memories it has evoked....Bob

[@annescholey6546]

I had a sneak peek at Hither Green in July 98 to get the last 33s thanks to a little footpath 😊

[@djtrainspotter]

@@annescholey6546 Hehe nice, the path at end of platfrom 4 i guess! I was there to catch the last 4 x 33's on the saturday 2.1.99, observing/photo-ing and chatting to driver Zep shunting them into position before they departed HG for the last time on the Monday morning, driven by himself all the way to Immingham for 'storage'. Sad day in the land of the 3rd rail !

[@trainmman]

nice video really enjoyed. I remember some of the old dmu's passing my house, its surprising how old the 150's and class 153 (155) really are so even today we still got DMU that are over 25yrs old. I bet it will be quite hard to get a visit back in Cardiff canton depot today now with health and safety the way it is

[@robmasterman]

It wouldn't happen today unfortunately....things have changed too much....Bob

[@Gwril76]

Brilliant..very interesting Bob. Many thanks for sharing 😃

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Steve, glad you've enjoyed this unusual upload...Bob

[@mt5144]

This was my haunting ground from 1974-1979 during high school days, spent many times in this maintenance shed, I know this was in 1990 but even then a Split Head code Class 37 (37038 Stratford Allocated) was very rare at Canton as they had none allocated in the 70's early 80's as all Canton 37 were central headcode Loco's, Just so happens 37038 is still going being now owned by HN Rail, This brought back many strong memories when we use to see more Tractors than sense, those were the days.

[@robmasterman]

How wonderful, and thanks very much for sharing your happy memories of times past.

[@andrewbailey399]

I started at canton in 92 there some good old characters that I recognise in this film brings back memories different now though.

[@robmasterman]

Hello Andrew, it was a very different place back then, and I'm so pleased that this video has evoked some happy memories for you.

[@scroez]

I worked here by chance 89-90, on RTS, loved it here, Life was good all round looking back, looking at them sprinters brings fond memories lol.. My Dad was a guard, then Driver, you might have known him? he was based here.

[@robmasterman]

It's so sad to see it now, and I'm glad I was able to capture this footage back then....I didn't work there, so unlikely to know your Father....Bob

[@scroez]

Thanks for the video. It makes me wonder how its changed, I was 17 years old when this video was shot, I've not seen canton today,? My Dad was retired in the late 90's due to health grounds. Cheers Bob thanks for the flashback.

[@robmasterman]

Sadly, it';s only a shadow of it's former self...I rarely pass it these days, but it looks so run down, and few locos if any to see.....Bob

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

A superb video, Bob, Hope is well in Wales! :o)

[@robmasterman]

Hello Larry, good to hear from you....I've been digging through my archives for footage that may be of interest...Hope you are also well...taking all things into account.....and all is well in Wales...thanks...Bob

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

Hello Bob, Your welcome and Thank you too! :o)

[@davidfrobel7582]

if i had on foot in that door i would never had moved to the US if i had known at the time Bob,,nice old video

[@robmasterman]

Thanks David, what might have been eh!....Bob

[@EMuksteam]

Brilliant video Bob of the inside workings. Nice to see what goes on and to see the vast area they had. The class 56/001 had a name on the side of it, what was the name.. Very interesting video C&A

[@robmasterman]

Thanks both, the 56 was named 'Whatley'.....glad you enjoyed it...Bob

[@HSTJames1]

Great video mate!

[@robmasterman]

Thanks James, a rare view inside Canton...Bob

[@lawrenceogden8682]

GREAT VIDEO

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Lawrence, glad you enjoyed it...Bob

[@taffboyslim]

My best mate's dad was a fitter at Canton for many years

[@robmasterman]

Pity he wasn't featured in this video....Thanks again for watching...Bob

[@jamesbeckwith3639]

Very Nice Video

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much James, the quality isn't great, but it shows what Canton was like in the day.

[@rickybrett9100]

what was the ticking noise on these loos when off?

[@robmasterman]

It's the sound of a valve Ricky, but I'm not certain which one you can hear...Bob

[@rickybrett9100]

Robert Masterman meant loco's, auto correct really does no favours sometimes lol . Walked round a few depots in my time and never had anyone know what the ticking sound is, you hear it on electrics as well classes 81-87. when you say the sound of a valve are they still moving when the engines switch off ??

[@robmasterman]

I know someone who will know the answer Ricky, I'll come back to you when he gives me the answer...Bob

[@robmasterman]

Here's your answer from the best Railway Mechanic in South Wales Ricky. Auto drain valves, get rid of moisture in the air system, called Spirax valves, they contain a disk, when water settles on it, its own air pressure opens the valve releasing water vapour, hence pop pop noise. We drain doe the air system on every exam. Locos also contain "air driers " these are little balls that absorb moisture, when the indicator turns blue to white they are renewed. ....Bob

[@rickybrett9100]

Robert Masterman cheers for the info. good vid BTW, never walked round canton but used to get as much as I could standing on the bridge

[@aplinewalker]

Hi Bob Would you mind by any chance if I used a bit of this video in one of mine ,,,,, it would be credited to you obviously ,,,,

[@robmasterman]

***** Not at all Alan, the quality isn't the best, and thanks for asking...Regards...Bob

[@aplinewalker]

Robert Masterman Brilliant many thanks I can Kill 2 birds with one stone ,,, much appreciated ,,,, Alan

[@robmasterman]

My pleasure Alan......Bob

[@jonathangooding7265]

One of the boys who was in school with me his father Alan jones work there for years

[@robmasterman]

How wonderful Jonathan, it's very sad to see what's happened to Canton in recent years. Thanks for your comments...Bob

[@taffboyslim]

3:06 is it sad that I knew I was going to see 'BR Timken' ?

[@robmasterman]

Not at all, it known as dedication!....Bob

[@taffboyslim]

Just watching this again and it evokes so many happy memories. I grew up in the valleys and the 37s and DMUs were 'background music' to my youth. My best friend's dad was a fitter at Canton and he took us to an open day in the late 70s/early 80s? Absolutely no noticeable H&S :-) They were doing cab rides in a 47 with people crammed in like sardines, people climbing into the cabs of the 'service' locos stabled near the footbridge. The only negative for me is seeing the 155s. I was a student in Portsmouth in the late 80s and when I went back in my second year, the 33s and comfy Mk1s had been replaced by noisy, unreliable pieces of plastic with budget airline seats. Don't get me wrong, the 150s were great on the valley lines, with short journeys with multiple stops. But spending 3 hours on a 155, sitting above an over-revving engine trundling across the south west of England, is hardly progress when compared to having your own compartment four coaches away from the locomotive :-)

[@rickybrett9100]

tractor heaven

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Ricky, although we see the odd Tractor down here, hearing them hauling 50 empty mineral wagons up the gradients in the Cardiff Valleys, is an unforgettable memory.....Bob

[@rickybrett9100]

Robert Masterman yes I remember going to south Wales spotting with my dad seeing the triple headers before 56s took over, now that I will never forget :)