Bluebell plans its next project
SR Conflat to follow on from completion of ballast and open wagons at Horsted Keynes.
THE Bluebell Railway’s Goods Division, which cares for the line’s heritage wagons, is appealing for donations from well-wishers for its next project – Southern Railway Conflat D No. 39617.
Built in 1933, the wagon was used for the transport of containers and road vehicles and as such it will make a valuable addition to the railway’s demonstration goods train. While it is in comparatively good condition, restoration is expected to cost £5000.
“The Conflat arrived on the railway in April 1993,” group volunteer Matthew Lander told The RM. “Used for storage over the years, it has yet to be restored. We want to add variety to the demonstration freight train. We plan to start work on it later this year once the two current projects are completed.” Work is progressing well at Horsted Keynes on 1928-built SR 20T ballast wagon No. 62002. What started as a replank and repaint turned into a full rebuild. The old softwood floor has been replaced with iroko, which it is hoped will have double the 10-15 year life of softwood. By mid-June, body planking was ready to install. Some mechanical work remains to be completed – including returning the vacuum brake system to operation. It is planned to finish the wagon in the bright orange livery it carried when it was originally restored 20 years ago. The other current project is 1946-built Bulleid 5 plank open No. 12058. “It has been a real challenge,” explained Mr Lander. “Latterly in departmental use, it was fitted with translator couplings. It arrived on the railway in early 2005. The wagon group at the time started to do the metal work. “It was planked with oak when built – which we are restoring it with. The planks are an inch thinner than normal to maintain the weight.” The bodyside planks were not painted – they were bare wood. However, in the interest of maintenance, Goods Division volunteers are applying a UV protection oil. The restoration is progressing well – and by mid-June, drilling of the steelwork for the corner plates on the outside was underway. Meanwhile, ex-Port of Bristol LMS 5 plank open No. 66071 is being dismantled. Stored on the Ardingly Spur at Horsted Keynes, it has deteriorated extensively to the point that it is beyond economical repair. The sole bars and cross members have wasted away and one sole bar is so far gone that it has split in two. Component recovery will aid the restoration and maintenance of other members of the Bluebell’s heritage wagon fleet – including wheels, draw gear etc. Indeed, No. 66071 has already provided the Bulleid wagon with its hinges. Donations can be made with Gift Aid via the Bluebell Railway Trust: www.bluebell-railway.com/donate/ and choose ‘Wagon Repair Fund’ from the drop-down menu.