G.W.R. Autotrailer 169 News and Restoration Blog

 More website History November 2015 Whilst the work at Buckfastleigh on W233W continues unabated we have, after 7 months of patiently waiting, at last, had 169 returned to the undercover luxury of the Swindon shed at Williton. Today we started to tidy the remnants of 2 years of life in the sidings, and the carriage is now ready for a further onslaught. Of course, we haven't been idle during the ensuing period with work on seating, section two, and of course much work on 233. A work schedule will be established over the next few weeks to allow further steady progress over the weeks and months ahead. We hope to have lots of new work to show at next year's WSR Spring Gala. March 2015 Don't forget to visit us at the West Somerset Railway Spring Gala. Our sales and information stand at Williton will be open on Saturday 28/3 and Sunday 29/3.  Do drop-in where we will be happy to relieve you of your cash or donations of books etc, timber or tools!   October 2014 This year's an...

Bogie overhaul work  During February and March 2011 work was carried out on one of the bogies while 169 was in the Swindon Shed at Williton. Preparing to use the crane to lift the underframe clear of the bogie.                                 Looking underneath with brake rodding disconnected ready for the pin to be lifted clear. The centre casting pin is nearly clear of the bogies - this pin is the connection between vehicle and bogie for braking etc. The centre casting. The draw hook is also connected to the centre casting by the rod seen here passing through part of the underframe.   The bogie run out clear repainting has started. Parts of the brake rigging refurbished and ready to be refitted. Brake components ready for refitting to the bogie. Refitting and repainting well advanced. Photos © Ian Grady and Brian Hart.  

More History pages  25/09/09 The Luggage end bodywork was moved along the frames today to expose the other end.  Pictures below show that the framework uncovered is in fairly good condition and should only need a small amount of work to complete. This work may be completed following return to West Somerset unless time permits.                    Luggage end Framework exposed for the first time       Work has continued on the Driving end including Brake Gear and Vacuum pipework, buffers are now refitted. More pictures of work up to 01/10/2009 are shown below. Supplied by Ian Grady       L: Work underway on Luggage end                               R Vacuum and steam heat pipework refitted    Frames...

History Pages from website During  August, September and October 2009 Auto 169 was moved to Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway for work on the overhaul of the underframe, this page records the progress that we made. 26/08/2009 We have already undertaken several work days on 169 since its arrival at Buckfastleigh and the pictures below taken by Tony Brooks, illustrate some of the work already underway. These show progress up until Friday 21st with the removal of some plate work on the frames which so far has not revealed any underlying problems. A good start has also been accomplished with the general restoration of the framework and this should be complete and painted prior to returning to the WSR. Whilst the SDR work goes on we also continue to progress at Williton with work on the next section of flooring now being tackled                The framework under restoration at Buckfastleigh  21/08/2009   ( ...