Carriage & Wagon News - January 2010
LBSCR 4-wheeled Third 2343
To works on 14 October 2009, this carriage has had its annual varnish and was ex-works on 12 November 2009.
LBSCR Third 2403
Currently placed on an accommodation underframe (ex LSWR Ironclad) and adjacent to the viewing area, work has involved the removal of doors and body panelling in order to investigate and assess its structural condition. There is a major amount of rot in the main timber on one side of the coach, investigations are in hand to identify and source suitable replacement timber for this main structural component.
2403 will be extended during its restoration in order to create a wheelchair compartment. As with the wheelchair compartment created in LCDR 2515, it will be almost impossible for the casual observer to notice the alterations.
When stripping doors down there is always the chance of finding something lost by the public and 2403 has revealed an SR Third Class single from Chatham to Sittingbourne, fare 1/4d, the return half of an SR Third Class Cheap Day from London to Herne Bay and three 1d tickets from THE L.G.O. LTD. & ASSOCIATED COS. All the tickets are in poor condition and it is remarkable that they have survived.
LBSCR Third 2416
This carriage sees heavy use because of its high seating capacity and it was taken into works on 12 November 2009. Where necessary, mouldings have replaced and other minor repairs carried out, prior to a complete repaint and varnish.
LBSCR Brake Third 4168
Andrew Asher has completed all the scumbling and has prepared and painted all eight van doors. Derek Atkinson has fitted all the luggage racks and view frames, together with their pictures and also prepared all the light fittings whilst John James has reupholstered all the seat backs.
NLR 4-wheeled Composite 6336
The down side has been repainted, lined and lettered and then both sides have been varnished. Stuart Butt has repainted the roof, curing the leak which had plagued this carriage for some time. Released from works on 14 October 2009, 6336 was then placed in its protective 'bag' for winter storage.
20 ton ‘Shark’ Brake Van DB993853
2009 could be thought of as the ‘year of the brake van’. Following the tidy up and repaint of LSWR Road Van 56046 and SR 15 ton Goods Brake Van 55724, it was the turn of the Shark to enter works for rather more substantial treatment. Most of the body planking has been replaced and the duckets repaired. Peter Clowse has reupholstered the seats and interior refurbishment has been undertaken.
At some time prior to our acquisition of the van it must have had a hard impact on the country end plough, rendering it inoperable. Whilst in the works the opportunity was taken to investigate and it was discovered that the guide pin for the plough was bent. Stuart Butt and David Smart, after partially disassembling the drawgear to gain access to the pin, have straightened it and we can now use the ploughs at both ends. The Shark left the works on 27 October 2009, the remaining interior jobs are being completed outside.
BR 24 ton ‘Dogfish’ Ballast Hopper DB992730
The down side hopper door has been inoperable for some time and upon entry to the works on 27 October 2009 work commenced on patch repairs in order to make it usable. The wagon was ex-works on 12 November 2009.
Workshop
The acquisition of a second-hand bigger capacity air compressor has brought improvements to the air supply for tools within the C & W workshop. The installation was planned and fitted by Dave Hill with David Smart undertaking the pipework. Dave Hill has also designed improvements to the dust extraction system in the carpenter’s shop: a ‘plug-in’ hose facility now enables dust to be sucked up from virtually anywhere. A mortice cutter, formerly in Ryde Works, has been made operational.
New volunteers are always made very welcome by the C&W team. We have plenty of projects underway with jobs to suit all ages and skill levels, previous experience is not necessary! If you would like to know more please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Clive Miller, who can arrange an informal visit to the workshop. You can find his contact details on the Volunteer Information page.