Windcutter Trucks
Discussion
Flying Phil said:
... As there have only been about 5 other posters to this thread I do wonder if it is out of place on here?
Flying Phil said:
They were called "Windcutters" or "Runners" as the Great Central ran them more like passenger trains at 30 - 40 mph so significantly faster than the usual freight trains of the time (50's and 60's).
...so my suggestion as to why there aren't more people posting in the thread is the title. To me, when I saw "Windcutter Trucks" in the forums, I immediately thought of the "aero" fairings on modern articulated lorries. I'm not entirely sure, but I suspect at least one operator is calling them "windcutter" or something similar. So imagine my surprise when I click on this thread randomly to see that it's about preserved railway rolling stock instead. Far more interesting.Great to see these trucks getting a lick of paint too. Far too often a lot of "stuff" at preserved railways looks like it's been abandoned to rot away. Even if it isn't a life-extending full restoration for these trucks just yet, as a visitor (many of which aren't self-described railway enthusiasts) it's far better to see these things painted and looking cared for when you arrive, instead of getting the feeling you've just driven into a musty old scrapyard by mistake.
Keep up the good work!
yellowjack said:
Great to see these trucks getting a lick of paint too. Far too often a lot of "stuff" at preserved railways looks like it's been abandoned to rot away. Even if it isn't a life-extending full restoration for these trucks just yet, as a visitor (many of which aren't self-described railway enthusiasts) it's far better to see these things painted and looking cared for when you arrive, instead of getting the feeling you've just driven into a musty old scrapyard by mistake.
You must remember that virtually all restoration work on preserved railways is done by volunteers. As you will appreciate, it is one thing to find the money to save a "hulk" from imminent scrap and quite another to restore it to working order - that second task also costs far more than the original purchase of the item.That said, some heritage railways are better at restoring the stuff they've got in their yards than others. Don't get me started about the Avon Valley Railway and their LMS 4F no 44123...
Good work, I went to some trouble to go through the elf and safety and become a volunteer at the GCR(N) when it was quiet at work, as soon as I completed that my allotment waiting list came through and work got busy, so I've not had chance to go back. Long term plan s to help out at one of the stations when I can spare the time, even if it's just strimming the grass at Ruddington.
Nice work, they almost look too good, are you now tempted to 'weather' them :-) I was passing Quorn once and was intrigued and parked up near the railway, a mixed goods steam train went by and it was a great site (and sound). Imagine if we still had mixed goods/wagon load trains today and still had local goods yards, it would take so many lorries off the roads!
They'll weather soon enough with 36 to go through, I hope this get recognised in the GCR magazine, they're not great at PR (starting to cut up the railcar for example, that was just bloody inexcusable) unless they need money for a major project. Small stuff like this effort that makes a difference tends to get ignored.
Thanks for the comments and yes we had considered "Weathering" the trucks but as Toasty says that happens with time. We also considered packing them with pallets to raise the floor then putting a thin layer of coal for that "Loaded" look......but the cost for 18 and the increased fire/theft risk made in unrealistic.
We are well supported by the railway and have a regular feature in the GCR "Main Line" magazine. The wagons are actually owned by the "David Clarke Railway Trust" and David Clarke was a huge benefactor to the railway. I believe that made part of his money by buying and selling old race cars - including Ex Le Mans Ferrarri's!
The GCR is trying to improve its PR but, as with all these things - who will do it as a volunteer? and, if it needs paying for, is it as important as the other 20 essential outlays?
Re the AC Railbus, this had been "stored" at the back of Loughborough shed, alongside much other decaying "stuff", with little or no work done for many years. With the Canal bridge work due to start, they need to clear the area and nobody seemed to want/own/care about the railcar so they made a small start on dismantling it. This concentrated minds and it has now been transported off site for restoration.
Incidentally I was up at "The Northern End" GCR(N) on Saturday for the AGM of the "567 Group" as I make a small monthly contribution towards this recreation of a GCR Victorian Express locomotive. This is a 4-4-0 New Build steam locomotive and we now have the frames.
We are well supported by the railway and have a regular feature in the GCR "Main Line" magazine. The wagons are actually owned by the "David Clarke Railway Trust" and David Clarke was a huge benefactor to the railway. I believe that made part of his money by buying and selling old race cars - including Ex Le Mans Ferrarri's!
The GCR is trying to improve its PR but, as with all these things - who will do it as a volunteer? and, if it needs paying for, is it as important as the other 20 essential outlays?
Re the AC Railbus, this had been "stored" at the back of Loughborough shed, alongside much other decaying "stuff", with little or no work done for many years. With the Canal bridge work due to start, they need to clear the area and nobody seemed to want/own/care about the railcar so they made a small start on dismantling it. This concentrated minds and it has now been transported off site for restoration.
Incidentally I was up at "The Northern End" GCR(N) on Saturday for the AGM of the "567 Group" as I make a small monthly contribution towards this recreation of a GCR Victorian Express locomotive. This is a 4-4-0 New Build steam locomotive and we now have the frames.
Edited by Flying Phil on Thursday 20th September 08:00
Edited by Flying Phil on Thursday 20th September 08:11
Flying Phil said:
The GCR is trying to improve its PR but, as with all these things - who will do it as a volunteer? and, if it needs paying for, is it as important as the other 20 essential outlays?
Re the AC Railbus, this had been "stored" at the back of Loughborough shed, alongside much other decaying "stuff", with little or no work done for many years. With the Canal bridge work due to start, they need to clear the area and nobody seemed to want/own/care about the railcar so they made a small start on dismantling it. This concentrated minds and it has now been transported off site for restoration.
I'm not entirely sure it helps the GCR being so many different trusts/charities that all look like their doing the same thing...but not. I know money is limited but finding someone to sort out some pr/posters etc locally at least needn't be a full time job?
Great work on the wagons, I did see them on mega movers or whatever the program was called the other day.
I must find an excuse to visit the GCR, for some reason I never got round to it while I was at uni in 2003-2006. I remember using an auto paint factors on the industrial estate behind the Loughborough station and thinking at the time (possibly unfairly) that it looked quite run down and tatty but it looks a lot better in recent photos.
How is the bridge situation going?
I must find an excuse to visit the GCR, for some reason I never got round to it while I was at uni in 2003-2006. I remember using an auto paint factors on the industrial estate behind the Loughborough station and thinking at the time (possibly unfairly) that it looked quite run down and tatty but it looks a lot better in recent photos.
How is the bridge situation going?
Hi Lufbramat
Thanks - the three locomotives pictured were running as a commemoration of the 1948 "Exchange Trials" on the newly formed BR.
Re the bridge, they have now cleared the area behind the loco-shed and will soon be starting work on refurbishing the Canal Bridge. They will be using the original track alignment and build a new engine shed to the West of the existing (very old S/H shed that was put up in the 1970's).
Thanks - the three locomotives pictured were running as a commemoration of the 1948 "Exchange Trials" on the newly formed BR.
Re the bridge, they have now cleared the area behind the loco-shed and will soon be starting work on refurbishing the Canal Bridge. They will be using the original track alignment and build a new engine shed to the West of the existing (very old S/H shed that was put up in the 1970's).
Flying Phil said:
Hi Lufbramat
Thanks - the three locomotives pictured were running as a commemoration of the 1948 "Exchange Trials" on the newly formed BR.
Re the bridge, they have now cleared the area behind the loco-shed and will soon be starting work on refurbishing the Canal Bridge. They will be using the original track alignment and build a new engine shed to the West of the existing (very old S/H shed that was put up in the 1970's).
Wheres that going? Theres not much (any?) space there before you hit the little industrial estate. Thanks - the three locomotives pictured were running as a commemoration of the 1948 "Exchange Trials" on the newly formed BR.
Re the bridge, they have now cleared the area behind the loco-shed and will soon be starting work on refurbishing the Canal Bridge. They will be using the original track alignment and build a new engine shed to the West of the existing (very old S/H shed that was put up in the 1970's).
mcdjl said:
Wheres that going? Theres not much (any?) space there before you hit the little industrial estate.
There is room for two tracks alongside the existing shed, so, if there is a one track "overlap", then there will be space for two tracks on the East side and the new three track shed right up to the industrial estate border.As the old shed will need a lot of money spending on it soon, a new shed makes a lot of sense - it may even have a crane inside...!
Flying Phil said:
There is room for two tracks alongside the existing shed, so, if there is a one track "overlap", then there will be space for two tracks on the East side and the new three track shed right up to the industrial estate border.
As the old shed will need a lot of money spending on it soon, a new shed makes a lot of sense - it may even have a crane inside...!
Leave it long enough and the old shed will take itself down. i guess that will be off the original alignment (slightly) and tight!As the old shed will need a lot of money spending on it soon, a new shed makes a lot of sense - it may even have a crane inside...!
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