Former Ryde Pier Drewry Railcar rebuild completed
THE Isle of Wight Steam Railway (IoWSR) took delivery of the reconstructed former Ryde Pier Tramway Drewry Railcar No. 2 on June 25. The same day, it completed two successful fullline length tests runs. It has since undergone further tests and driver training before entering passenger service.
The horse-worked Ryde Pier Tramway opened in 1864, later to be paralleled by the main line steam railway serving the pierhead from 1880. Various traction methods were tried on the half-mile line, including steam and electric, before two petrol-engined cars were introduced in 1927, with No. 2 fitted with a replacement 30hp Perkins diesel in 1959. However, the tramway closed on January 26, 1969.
Car No. 2 was acquired by the Island Vintage Transport Group and removed from the pier in February 1970, joining the stock being accumulated at Newport by the Wight Locomotive Society (WLS). The body was removed and placed in store but never refitted.
The railcar proved very useful for transporting items along the line from Newport to
Havenstreet in January 1971, when the WLS established the base there for today’s Isle of Wight Steam Railway. It soon fell into disuse and was slowly deteriorating until the 2011 restoration project was launched.
Restoration
Initially, the rusting remains were moved into a tent behind the shop at Havenstreet, where assessment was made of which, if any, parts could be reused. It soon became apparent that these would not include the main frame, engine, transmission or main body parts.
The replacement main frame was designed by Graham Morris Engineering and supplied in 2016 by AJ Lowther & Son of Ross-on-Wye, together with the frame for a replica trailer car, No. 10, to be built subsequently.
A 60hp 404D-22T diesel unit was donated by Perkins Engines and construction was contracted to Alan Keef Ltd, also of Rosson-Wye.
Original parts saved for reuse included axle boxes, horn guides, spring hangers, engine subframe supports, the brake column, brake rigging parts, and front coupling.
The rolling chassis was fitted with the engine in 2019, driving through a JCB transmission unit. Equipped with air-braking, it was placed on rollers in June, the engine started and the wheels turned for the first time since 1972. From early 2019, the replica bodywork was being constructed, along with the floor framing.
The original two-car set was driven from the front of the power car only, but this is not acceptable today. A second driving position has been installed at the rear but will be removed when the trailer, which will be fitted with a driving position, is brought into service.
The modern radiator on the front will be covered by a dummy unit to restore its original appearance.
Finished in authentic Southern Railway green, No. 2 is to be launched at the Heritage Trains Day on October 17 (RM April, p70). Just how the railcar will be used is yet to be determined and depends on how well it performs in testing. It could be used on demonstration runs on the longest siding at Havenstreet, or on early or late services on the full length of the line.