Hello from Reading

[WOA2]

I have just registered on your Forum. I come from Reading in Berkshire, and my Wife and I have been researching our Family tree. On my Father's side, there are 3 generations of GWR Railway men. One was a Carman - what is this job? Also, is there any way of getting details of GWR Employees for my family records?

Many thanks.

[G6 UXU]

Hello WOA2 and welcome to the Forum, someone will definitely be able to help you. Enjoy.

[Ian White]

Hi and welcome,i hope you have some luck finding the info you're after,you may have tried this already but have you contacted Network rail to see if they have any records of you're family.

I think there used to be a records office at Paddington not sure if its there now,or The National Rail Museum may help.

Not much help but worth a go.

All the best,hope you enjoy,Ian

[Shed Cat]

Welcome.

The Didcot Railway Centre will certainly know what GWR records exist and where.

[DSY011]

Hi WOA2 and welcome. This was on the internet and is about Canada, but it may be the same sort of thing for the U.K.

As a railway carman or carwoman, you'll ensure the cars are comfortable, safe, and attractive for passengers and employees. Freight cars also need constant maintenance to keep them safe for employees, efficient to load and unload, and clean and secure for the storage of goods.

Basic mechanical skills are essential because carmen and carwomen use hand and power tools all the time.

Specific duties


Railway carmen/women are responsible for the following duties:

• inspecting the outside of passenger and freight cars to find any flaws, wear or damage
• repairing flawed or damaged metal and wood components such as compressors, air valves, bearings, air cylinders and piping
• repairing and repainting wooden fixtures
• replacing damaged windows and upholstery, and
• testing and adjusting train parts using gauges and other equipment.

[paul miller]

Welcome to the forum.
Paul.

[Trev]

Welcome to the forum WOA2.

[pavorossi]

Hello and welcome to the forum WOA2.

[John H-T]

Welcome to the Forum WOA" and good luck with the research.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[Upney Sidings]

Originally Posted by WOA2

I have just registered on your Forum. I come from Reading in Berkshire, and my Wife and I have been researching our Family tree. On my Father's side, there are 3 generations of GWR Railway men. One was a Carman - what is this job?

Also, is there any way of getting details of GWR Employees for my family records?

I sent the above questions to a GWR specialist and these are his response .....

"A carman drove a horse and cart." Which is what I thought it was btw.


"There are some GWR Staff Registers at the PRO but not all of them. Therefore he might find his old chap or he might not. Furthermore the registers are in 'real time' i.e as each man joined they turned a page and filled in his details. In other words - total needle in a haystack and the needle might not even be there!"

The latter isn't a great deal of help I'm afrraid.