If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

15 inch gauge carriages

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by campainr, Nov 9, 2009.

  1. campainr

    campainr Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2009
    Messages:
    1,398
    Likes Received:
    53
    Hi everyone,

    Railways such as the RHDR and RER run, or ran, services during the winter, so what facilities do their carriages carry for winter running? Heating, lighting etc.

    The RHDR runs a School Train so surely there are guidelines that say the carriages must be heated etc, however neither of these two railways, to my observance, seem to have heating in their carriages, and only the RHDR seems to have minimal, basic lighting. So do passengers freeze:smt107 , or are they nice and warm in the winter? :cool:

    campainr
     
  2. StoneRoad

    StoneRoad Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Messages:
    976
    Likes Received:
    385
    Occupation:
    Restoration of heritage items, mainly in timber.
    Location:
    Haltwhistle
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Not sure about the RHDR, but at least some of the R&ER coaches have heat and light for winter running
     
  3. glastonrail

    glastonrail New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2008
    Messages:
    154
    Likes Received:
    2
    Occupation:
    Civil Engineering Student at the University of Ply
    Location:
    Plymouth/Stockport, England
    The Bure Valley Railway and Kirklees Light Railway coaches are both heated, using different methods.

    I believe the BVR use electric heating provided by a diesel generator in the generator car which is added to winter trains.

    The KLR use steam heating as per full-size practise.

    As far as lighting, I have no idea about BVR, but KLR use 12V lighting provided by 4 deep-cycle batteries located in the guards' van; both the guard and driver have control over the current, since it also provides power for the loco headlight and tail-lamp.

    Afraid I cannot help for definite on R&ER or RH&DR - wasn't aware of the R&ER coaches being heated last time I was there in winter but that was a few years ago.

    Thanks,

    Dom
     
  4. meeee

    meeee Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2006
    Messages:
    886
    Likes Received:
    1,382
    I think the R&ER use Eberspächer diesel heaters you can see the fillers for the fuel tank on the side of some of the coaches.

    Tim
     
  5. StoneRoad

    StoneRoad Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Messages:
    976
    Likes Received:
    385
    Occupation:
    Restoration of heritage items, mainly in timber.
    Location:
    Haltwhistle
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Yep, that is the maker of the diesel heaters - I was unable to remember the spelling! I have benefited from their output - but it helps if the other passengers keep the doors shut! I think the lighting is battery powered but with other things on my mind I am not sure of the details.
     
  6. Pesmo

    Pesmo Member

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2008
    Messages:
    817
    Likes Received:
    125
    Eberspächers in each carriage ? That can't have been cheap, but is an elegant solution
     
  7. brendan

    brendan New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2009
    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Performing Arts
    Location:
    Sevenoaks
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    The RHDR does not have any heating in its normal passenger stock, The Pway mess coach and the Bar Car both have small gas heaters fitted. The normal passenger stock though although lacking heating is not badly insulated againest the cold, unlike the guards part of the brake vans!

    Brendan
    RHDR Volunteer
     
  8. Rander

    Rander Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2007
    Messages:
    220
    Likes Received:
    28
    R&ER have 9 regular saloons, 1 wheelchair saloon and 2 saloon brakes fitted with heaters for use during the winter. As has been stated, they run on diesel and can be identified due to the presence of the tank filler cap on the second panel from the right on the door side. (except the disabled coach, where it is first from the left, and the Maxi-saloon brake, where is on the "off" side of the coach)

    Can vouch for them being very warm, having guarded for hundreds of miles with them... got 336 more miles in the next month schedueled, hopefully all with Brake Saloon 112.

    Most of the coaches with heaters also have lighting connected with this. All this is powered from a single caravan battery.
     

Share This Page