Acquiring old buffers

Hello,

Not 100% sure this is the correct place for this, but does anyone know of where I could possibly acquire some old buffers (probably 8-10 of) for making some seating at the industrial museum/miniature railway I volunteer at?

Also, anyone have a rough idea of the going rate for them?

Chris

 

Can't help saying that there are plenty of "old buffers" on this forum... doubt they'll not like being sat on though. Have you thought of loco/carriage scrapyards ? They're heavy items.... transport costs ? ... modification ? Not wanting in any way to discourage you... any other ideas from forum members ?

 

Going to give Booths metal recyclers in Rotherham a call this week see if they have any kicking about, they are also fairly local which helps

The weight is part of the appeal to immobilise them....... we have been through a few wooden benches which seem to last 3-5 years, so thinking a set of buffers as seats, and build a table up on a some sort of metal pedestal so they are not mobile, and should hopefully- given a bit of wire brushing and painting last for years- and be a bit of a novelty.

Transport isn't a massive issue so long as they aren't the opposite end of the country- one of the members has a plant hire company, so has hi-ab wagons etc


Chris

 

Depending on various outcomes we might have up to 4 to offer that may be beyond repair for operational use at Winchcombe, not had a chance to fully investigate yet. Hopefully will know more this weekend!

 

Bala Lake Railway were selling them at £100 each, but currently showing as out of stock on the website.
https://shop.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/product/buffers/
Could always give them a call, see if they have any left.

 

Well good news for us but not for @Chris86 , 3 of the 4 we had off today were salvageable despite my pessimism. One GWR self contained buffer available though, 16" off the ground 13" diameter head. PM me if interested.

 

I'll have a chat with the museum directors next week and see where we get to, thankyou for thinking of us!

 

I have some buffers available if you want to drop me a PM.

 

@Chris86 I would call up a few heritage railways near you. They may well have some sitting around which are beyong repair, but which they haven't yet got round to sending for scrap.

 

I spied three in a field next to the ELR just north on Thursday, two appear to be completely disconnected.

You can see them on Google maps (link is to Google maps showing East Lancs Railway north of Ramsbottom station, south of Great Eaves Road, field with siding and buffer stops)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wE3Jxp56DPTouakM8

There might be some more if you look further south, I'm not sure.