West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Is it still a Hoover if it is 'Air Only'?

 

Yes. Because they were brought to the UK by the Pullman Car Company who used to reform their sets regularly. Main line companies ran fixed sets much more commonly.

The much less easy to use 'British Standard Gangway' preceded them in the UK. These are now most commonly seen on first generation DMU's and have to be clipped and pinned together.

When the BR Mk1 coach was designed, buckeye couplings and Pullman gangways represented best practice and so they were included.

Robin

 

February's Steam Beano contains a few nuggets of information, if it is to be believed. Article quotes JJP throughout.

- 44422 25-year 'restore and run' agreement terminated, locomotive to leave WSR.

- 6695 mooted 25-year agreement now 'on hold'.

- 4110 four bidders competing, including GWR 4110 Ltd and WSRA. Others unspecified.

- Mk1 repaint program to include one rake of service coaches to be outshopped in BR maroon.

And of real concern:

- cash-flow situation much worse than previously understood.

 

SR & LNER adopted buckeye couplings and Pullman gangways early on. Certainly Maunsell & Gresley era stock onwards.

LMS & GWR stuck with screw couplings and “British Standard” gangways until Mark 1s.

 

Just to be certain so I can order copy from my newsagent this is Stem Railway? TIA

 

Yes, Steam Railway issue No. 489. (Page 18-19)

 

It seems to come from an interview with the plc Chairman so presumably factual.

 

Pity the Beano cannot interview him more often. That would help to stop the constant speculation.

 

Or even 'Brake Vans'?

 

I chose my spelling with care

Tom

 

Many thanks.

 

What I can't really understand is why the DMU's were built with screw couplings and British Standard Gangways, given the advantages of the Pullman gangway and Buckeye. Was it cost thing?

 

I'm guessing that it was, and not much in the way of a downside operationally given that they wouldn't be split that often.

Steve B

 

Because everyone knew how rubbish DMU are, so gave them rubbish gangways!

 

The GWR used them. Draw your own conclusions. Mind you, so did the LMS.

 

Forgive me if I've missed it, but I would be interested to know why and I can't see that anyone has given an answer.

 

Ditto Vac brakes - wasnt it something to do with being able to haul a trailing load?

 

It was answered somewhere in the mire of this thread, there was a road transporter in the area anyway and so it was decided that this would be easier than making it fit for a 10 mile rail trip part dismantled.

 

Plus p'way had possession of the line I think for maintenance?