Bowes railway, carriage and wagon

A new thread to show people what is going on at the Bowes railway. In the waggonshop, home of out c and W department. Involving the maintenance of our 33 wooden hoppers, 3 brake vans, 7 steel hoppers and 15 other waggons which belong to the Bowes fleet.

 

Today's work has centred on three vehicles. Currently in the shops are brake vans 2 and 3, the Wheetslade 21 ton hopper and the reel. The reel is awaiting the final coat on its lining. The 21 tonner has lad it's lining chalked out awaiting painting. On the vans we have added the vacuum cylinder stars and completed the internal painting on van two. And start internal work on van 3.

 

the latest wagon to be completed at Bowes the newly overhauled 91d. Having the final touches added to its recreated livery.

 

Yes things finally seem to be, three wagons through the works this year. Plus lots of track work and a return to fully operational status in 2016.

 

That's all good news ! Best wishes for operations in 2016.

Just as a matter of interest : how are B1 and B49 these days ...

 

Both going well, b1 is doing well. B49 is currently holding rope haulage equipment but hopefully not for much longer. Thank you. Things are looking up.

 

Official photograph of the two newly outshopped wagons. Bowes reel and 21 ton hopper 91 D. Both along with Guards Van 2 were out projects of 2015.

 

With the space freed up by the hopper and reel being completed 4 waggons were moved into the shops to dry out, these are wooden 10 ton hoppers 1107, 1611, 308 and 364. All requiring various degrees of work. Photos to follow...

 

The views above show, the four waggons in the waggonshop (our waggon repair building constructed in 1826 as a coal bunker, converted to repair shop C.1930) the thumbnails show the interior of hopper 1106 with some work needed. 308 with all its rotten hoppering removed to access the central post which needs replacement. And finally the exterior of 1611, which is only requiring a repaint.

 

Work this week has included painting the interior hoppering of 1611, stripping it's axleboxes and replacing wicks. Plus sanding and painting wheels, the work now includes painting the woodwork and adding the livery next week.

 

Work on the railways waggon collect continues with 1611 nearing completion, with all frame and box work completed now with only repainting and application of livery. Waggon 1107 is the next nearest completion, with the waggon requiring the replacement of one plank and the replacement of the internal hoppering. The livery is a recreation of the long lost Pelaw main livery last seen in 1946.

 

Work completed the other day involved the lining out and completion of waggon 1611. This Watts Hardy waggon is one of only two remaining and it now is in fully operational condition. One down 30 to go. The lower photo shows the new repaired hopper of waggon 1107/1195 which is currently under overhaul. Currently in the shops are waggons 1107, 364, 1104, 210 plus brake van 3 for an interior repaint.

 

Cracking stuff chaps, keep it up

 

Progress at Bowes. Currently four waggons are receiving attention. The ballast hopper has had the door operating mechanism and brakes have been oiled and attention to its ballast chutes before its next refill. 1107 now has its completed grey livery, lining stencils have been created so lining should begin in the next few days, it will recreate the Pelaw Main coal company livery, which has not been seen since vesting day 1947. Waggon 364 Is awaiting a new support member within the frames. 1104 has had its North end reconstructed with a replacement end post, painting of this wagon will continue tomorrow with lining also beginning.

 

Top photo the next project is 717, which is a straight forward repaint into its current chestnut livery.
Bottom Photo shows 364 (installing new cross beam and lining), 1107 (lining underway) and 1104 (lining) all looking much healthier in the sunshine.

 

The three waggons in the shops currently, 1195 and 1104 both nearing the end of their overhauls with only lining out to complete. Whilst 364 is waiting til the end of its repaint before an internal cross member is also replaced. Likewise 717 is beginning it's repaint and 308 has had its new frame components made these will be fitted shortly.