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 With a wealth of previously unpublished images, Martin Bray offers a loving tribute to this popular South Wales railway depot.

'This is an excellent collection of good-quality images reproduced to a high standard.' * Railways Illustrated Magazine, August 2024 *
'Recommended.' * Rail Express Magazine, July 2024 *
'Image quality is excellent.' * Model Railway Magazine, October 2024 *

Martin Bray has a lifelong interest in transport in South Wales, serving an apprenticeship with Ruston Diesels and maintaining a close relationship with staff at the two major South Wales railway depots at Canton and Margam.