Shenfield Shark Ballast Plough

I have been advised by DBS that the Shenfield Shark ballast plough that has sat at Shenfield station for many years is now available to interested parties.

It would be great if this could be preserved and restored.

If anyone wants the DBS contact details please message me.

 

I'd be interested to know how good the chassis is after all this time in the open. Can't imagine it would be a cheap restoration job, and I believe there is asbestos sheeting around where the stove was to deal with too?

 

From what is visible in looks in pretty good shape.

 

Christopher Westcott of Rail Express saw it in person in 2017 and covered it in an article; an album with pictures here including a copy of said article:
https://flickr.com/photos/cjw2/albums/72157691738384861

The most recent pictures I have seen are dated September 7 this year.
https://flic.kr/p/2msZLpw

 

Why was it dumped there?
Did it have problem on a worksite and was not able to move?

 

Ran a hot box back in the 80s, and was never recovered.

 

Passed it today- but didn’t get a picture

 

Was able to arrange a viewing for today, photos taken from point of safety with escort. I'm no expert, but the frames look to be really good. The inside of the cabin is dry so the roof is secure. Supports/uprights have rot at wood joints. Inside, the floor seems secure but some areas of rot at the edges on the verandas. One thing I'd never picked up on - oleo buffers at one end, but original at the other.

 

Vac gear still complete?

 

I'd be interested in the contact details please

 

From what I could get to look at, yes.

Stella Horrocks - https://uk.dbcargo.com/rail-uk-en/services/disposals

 

On the topic of long-stranded Sharks, has anyone ever gone after this one on a builder's yard opposite Sheffield Park station?
http://www.ws.rhrp.org.uk/ws/WagonInfo.asp?Ref=11535

 

Did anyone else ever get a reply to enquiries? It all went very quiet after I viewed it.

 

It was still stitting there when I went past on the train on Saturday....

 

Sadly the Shenfield Shark is currently meeting its demise. Despite many people trying to save it, it has been winched up to the car park end of the siding on which it has sat for 40 years and is currently being cut up.

 

‘They must do something about it!’
Shame it’s lasted as long it did but it’s now in little pieces, has anything been claimed for spares?

 

The shark has indeed been moved nearer the buffer the stops and as we speak still in one piece although a metal pincer machine is due to arrive this Friday and cut the shark into pieces on Saturday. I just hope they do not disturb the bats that are nested in it...

 

Does that mean a stay of execution?

 

Yes wondered that, I thought bats were a protected species.

 

https://www.bats.org.uk/advice/bats...r Section 9 of,used for shelter or protection.