Brake Van Roofing Material

After about 2 years of slog, the cabin restoration is now finished, and I'm now ready to start work on re - covering the roof of my SR 25t Brake van (S 55170 at the ELR).
Question is... whats the best option ?
I'm looking for something that will last, and not just roofing felt!
Any suggestions will be most welcome from those who have been there etc...,

Thanks,

Andy.

 

Hi Andy:

Aluminuim sheets are your best bet with Arboseal along the edges to give a watertight seal. You should get at least 25 years pit of it with regular painting.

Whats the problem with roofing felt? I use two layers of torch on synthetic smooth underfelt with a few coats of anti-glare paint applied afterwards. Again I am looking at 20+ years here although am I right in thinking that you thought of mineral felt?

Best wishes
Chris

 

Traditional or modern methods? is my first question to you before suggesting a solution!

Stoneroad

 

I am after the best long term solution ! - something that will last.

Andy.

 

Have a look at the Bluebell C&W page on roofing.

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/car_roof.html

 

Hi, can I point you at this:-

http://stanegaterestorationsandreplicas.fotopic.net/p60319412.html

PM me for some more details?

 

Yes of course you could use traditional canvas, however you would not get any more years out of it in my opinion.

Just a thought.

Regards
Chris

 

Well, our wagons have a canvass roof including the southern 25 tone brake van, bed it on canvass bedding compound which is best kept slightly warmed else it goes as stiff as hell, pull it very tight (If you need less than 5 people, and your knuckles are not white by the end of the day, it ain't tight enough) fix it down with felt nails, then apply 2 coats of 30% paint to 70% linseed oil, 2 coats of 50/50 mix, and two coats with 70% paint and 30% linseed oil, in that order, allowing a week or so between coats to let it dry and soak in. Don't be surprised if the first two coats soak in so completely that a week later it looks like there is no paint on it