Bletchley Tube Wagon

The Tube wagon, that was at Bletchley. Is being restored at the Aln Valley Railway.

It would be nice to find out what its running number is.

 

We are after an oil box, as per the one in the image.

 

At the risk of asking the obvious question, have you tried wire brushing the solebar where the works plate should be? Some (though not all) builders stamped the number there.

 

I think people have tried that. I will have a final look myself.

 

If not, as a wagon lingering so late on the network, you'd think it would be on a TOPS list... just need someone with access to TOPS.

 

I just need a friend with TOPS access ! lol

If I can't trace it's running number. I won't be able to document its past.

 

A photo from today, showing the only readable marking.

 

Pad Exam 30th April 1980 at Depot 2635 (Stourbridge Junction).

If it exists, the running number is likely to be stamped into the solebar somewhere around the numberplate - at least that's where it lurks on GW wagons.
Expect it to be obscured by paint &/or rust.

Pete S.

 

I'll keep looking, until someone does state the number of the wagon. When it was at Bletchley.

 

Might need a wire wheel on an angle grinder or a needle gun to remove enough to see any stamped markings.

 

The whole wagon needs anti corrosion work ! lol

 

I concur with wire wheel on angle grinder. Try here, start between the plate fixing holes and work outwards. You'll soon know if there's anything there or not.


Though to be honest, if it was built at any of the former LMS works there's a good chance there will be nothing there.

 

I'll give it a try.

 

According to Don Rowland's "British Railways Wagons", there were a total of 2,350 Diagram 1/448 Tube wagons in 6 Lots. All except the first Lot were fitted with vacuum brakes from new. Later examples had Isothermos axleboxes.
Lot 2554 450 B731590-732029 1954 Faverdale
Lot 2740 350 B732040-732389 1955 Faverdale
Lot 2867 650 B733290-733039 1956 Faverdale
Lot 3226 180 B733040-733219 1959 Faverdale
Lot 3288 420 B730500-730919 1960 Derby
Lot 3332 300 B730290-730999, B733240-B733459 1961 Derby

Paul Bartlett has a collection of photos of the type, at least one of which was marked "Empty to Stourbridge Junction" which may explain the pad exam.

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brtube

 

Thanks for that.

 

A photo of the Tube, just before it left Bletchley.

 

It looks like you can make-out the B and what appears to be a 0, 4 and a 2.

 

I can see where you coming from with that, but wouldn't the number have been along side the A. Which I presume stands for ADB ?