IOWSR test run after 82yrs out of service

LBSCR 3rd 2403 has had its first test run on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, built in 1903 and withdrawn in 1931 the coach then became a Bungalow until about 1990. The coach came to the IOW soon after as a project for the late Kim Chalkley, later the coach was taken on as a project by the C&W. This is the only none island coach on the IOWSR, but 2 identical coaches were in service. The number allocated is the next available in the Island series.

It is mounted on a Southern Scenery Van underframe, the coach being 48' and the underframe 50' The usual course of action would have been to shorten the underframe to suit, but on this occasion it was decided to lengthen the body by 2' This gave the opportunity to add an extra door into one compartment which allows wheelchair access.

A further test run is planned in a week or two after which the coach should enter full service, the bogie set will then comprise of 4 LBSCR coaches, the SECR ones being currently out of service.

Can you spot the extra door?

A couple of photos are on my flickr site, follow the link below.

 

A direct link to 2403 at Wootton

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwalkeriow/8985468619/

 

Very nice indeed. Like the way the extra door has been incorporated.

Any chance of an interior shot (or two) of the wheelchair compartment?

 

Well done Gary and team - a brilliant job!

 

I will post a few interior photos when I return to work, I am laid low with a virus a the moment!

 

I shall look forward to seeing the pictures of this magnificent restoration and especially the wheelchair compartment. Are there any restrictions on wheelchair usage?

Steve

 

Looks excellent Gary - well done to you and all the team, I hope you get better soon.

Any target in service date ?

 

Any chance you could sneak them over to the mainland for a holiday in a few years when Beachy Head is finished? We'll even ensure she has airbrakes for you!

Seriously - well done to you guys! Will have to arrange another trip over in the summer.

Tom

 

I suppose the only restriction is the capacity, which I would imagine is 4 wheelchairs. The layout is similar to the 4 wheel LCDR coach that was done 10yrs ago, in that two compartments have been linked with a doorway. When in ordinary use the seats are in the normal position and with wheelchairs they tip up to create more space.

 

I would hope in a week or two although it would help if I was fit for work!

 

That would be a superb sight! not a cheap thing to do, eight crossings of the Solent with a low loader big enough do not come cheap!

Let me know when you plan to come over.

 

What a marvellous vehicle. Very well done.

 

You are, of course, welcome to bring Beachy Head to us...

 

Would she fit the Wooton headshunt?

Tom

 

Not a chance, and it would be tight on bridge 12 and Long Arch too. I'll think on...

 

Fantastic work. Last time I visited the IOWSR it was grounded in the field and being used as a second hand book shop. I must plan another trip soon so I can have a ride in it.

What is planned take its place in the workshop? Another grounded body restoration or will getting the SECR coaches back in action take priority?

 

What is planned take its place in the workshop? Another grounded body restoration or will getting the SECR coaches back in action take priority?[/quote]

Both! the next restoration will be LBSCR 4 wheel brake third 4115, the underframe is already at quite an advanced stage. As soon as a crane is organised to move vehicles around in Griffins field the body will be craned onto the underframe.

We currently have a pair of SECR bogies under repair in the workshop for use under 6375, this has the best of the three SECR underframes. This should give us another few years use before its underframe is attended to.

 

Well I shall look forward to seeing 4115 completed in due course!

Out of interest, how do you select which grounded body to work on next? Is there some kind of grand plan as to what order they will be restored in?

 

Their isn't a grand plan as such, the priority with 4115 is to provide a second 4 wheel brake partly to bolster the 4 wheel set up to 7 coaches and also allow when required a 5 coach 4 wheel set and the push pull set to run as separate trains.

It is quite possible that the restoration after 4115 will also be 4115! this one being the LCDR bogie brake 4115.

 

Just back from the IOW but alas 2403 was parked in a siding and not yet in use. Looked absolutely splendid but so did all the stock forming the two train sets in use.
When it comes to turnout, particularly in relation to condition of seat coverings, this railway can give lessons to all. Some much larger concerns ought to look at the IOWSR and think very hard!

Paul H