Longest Narrow Gauge Coach?

Just for fun, I thought it might be interesting to compare the Narrow Gauge carriage in the UK & Ireland past & present.
Naturally this should include the Channel Islands and I.O.M.

A few I have found out for a kick-off. I have used headstock-headstock dimensions rather than couplers.


W&LLR (ex MAV) = 42ft 4.5 inches
L&MVLR = 42ft
W&LLR & STR (ex Sierra Leone Railway) = 40ft
W&LLR Pickering = 35ft
GVLR & LCLR (ex Ashover) = 30ft
VOR - 32ft (?)

It would be interesting to compare these with the dimensions of the new WHR, Cambletown, CDRJC, Adrian Shooter's Parlour Car, I.O.M, Lynton & Barnstable etc.
and maybe then sub-divide by the largest 2ft gauge coach etc.

Best wishes,
Gareth

 

I have a vague recollection that one of the 1870s FR Ashbury's is pretty lengthy, though whether it is in the top 10 I don't know.

 

The Plynlimon & Hafan replica carriage here in Cornwall is around 36 feet long.

 

The longest new WHR carriage is the Pullman Obs "Glaslyn" at 14m, which is 45ft 11-and-a-bit inches, others are at 13m and 12m long. I think you'd struggle to find anything larger on the 2' gauge, or even perhaps on the UK narrow gauge (though the Glasgow Subway carriages might give a run for the money). Other thoughts are perhaps, historically, some of the narrow gauge trams that used to run in the UK.

 

Don't know about 2ft gauge, but the 3ft County Donegal had two coaches both 52ft 4 inches over buffers in length they where of course ex NCC Ballymena to Larne boat train stock

regards

Colin Rainsbury

 

Had a few PM's: The FR 1873 coaches (Ashbury coach?) is an impressive 36-37 ft.

Also there is a 3ft 6inch gauge ex Zambian Railways Sleeping Car in the UK owned by David Shephard, it was at Whipsnade Zoo in the 1970s but not sure of its current whereabouts. however it sounds like that is quite a substantial size.

I am impressed by the size of "Glaslyn", the Plynlimon & Hafan replica and the ex Ballymena vehicles, thanks.

kind regards,
Gareth

 

How long were those nice-looking Pickering vehicles on the Campbeltown and Macrihanish?

Martin Coombs

 

Hi Martin, they where 43ft 6inches over headstock according to Nigel Macmillans D&C book on the Campbeltown and Machrihanish Railway would like to see one of these on the Welshpool and Llanfair

regards

Colin

 

This is an expensive old business. Are you sure you can afford to bankroll it?

P.H.

 

Only if i win the lottery Paul

Colin

 

If we're counting 15" gauge, then Ratty's six Maxi coaches are 30 feet long, though I'm not sure if that's over the buffers/couplings or just the length of the frames. They are, incidentally, based off the design of Campbeltown & Machrihanish coaches.