Re-creating steam age scenes
East Lancashire Railway volunteers restore tankers to liveries seen at Bury in the days of steam.
TWO tank wagons are on course to be the next additions to the demonstration freight train at the East Lancashire Railway (ELR).
Both wagons are anchor mount types and have been cleaned up and repainted. One is a 20T built 1949 by Chas Roberts for Lobtec, before passing to the Burma Oil Company. It now carries ICI blue. The second vehicle was built W McAleese, Glasgow in 1942, for Esso. Originally an Esso wagon, it now carries Regent Oil Company livery.
By mid-September, both tankers were awaiting the application of lettering.
Explaining the reason for the change of livery, Keith Savory, volunteer said: “We have photos of these type of wagons at Bury Bolton Street station in steam days. We do not know where they were going – perhaps they were on a local shunt. We would be delighted if any readers of The RM could assist.” Two projects are contenders for restoration over the winter, to be carried out indoors – an A class container or BR 12T box van No. B78991. Meanwhile, a Medfit wagon is receiving bodywork attention at Buckley Wells carriage and wagon shed. The work is being done by paid apprentices – with the wagon being metal, the work will help with the team’s fabrication skills. The wagon has been used with the railway’s diesel crane. An ex-Esso tanker is also currently under restoration on the ELR.