Beckton's Railways and Locomotives

In general, gas works ceased production in the mid to late-1960s when natural gas from the North Sea began to be pumped ashore and distributed around the national networks. There can be few railway enthusiasts who have not heard of Beckton gasworks, as it was the biggest in Europe with a huge internal railway operated by numerous and distinctive cut-down locomotives running throughout both the gasworks and the adjacent products factory. Beckton's railways lasted for a century, during which time around a hundred locomotives came and went, working ceaselessly around the clock to provide heat and energy for London. Also included are details of the neighbouring outfall and sewage works that had its own railway, and also saw a host of contractor's engines engaged there over the years. Beckton's Railways and Locomotives gives a marvellous insight into this fascinating corner of London's industrial past.