Open-topped coaches

They're still in use, and every time I've visited they have always been the first to fill up. Mind you, most SKLR engines do have enormous Wild West spark arrestors.

 

Aye but to be fair at MoSI perpex plastic screens are used at the front of the carriages to keep the soot at bay. That is the theory...

Second golden oldies event. Fantastic day there. (if only on the stand)

Duncan

 

I rode on the Bristol Harbour Railway yesterday and it was quite fun being on a open top coach (former coil wire wagon?). However it was a bit cold. I not sure it could work everywhere else. Maybe a special open-side coach with windows which could slide out of the way on a sunny day but then shift up when the rain comes but that could be an expensive solution to that problem.

 

Haven't seen if anyone's mentioned Beamish yesterday? The absolutely wonderful Pockerley Waggonway has you sat in open carriages (there is one covered carriage replica, 'experiment'), and hauled by either 'Locomotion' 'Puffing Billy' or the 'Steam Elephant'. Not a very long line but a wonderful experience and usually get soot on you. Bit bumpy too!

Regarding Beamish, one of my favourite memories from there was when the 1914 built Manchester 765 'California' Tram was in use, and we managed to 'bag' the front open balcony, on a very hot april day, bliss...