The
Dockyard Railway, Chatham
Wagon Restoration
The decision to restore Chatham Dockyard's fleet of former private-owner and British Railways wagons to original condition was made in the spring of 2004, when Mick Waters was asked if he would take on the task of C&W restoration.
Work then commenced on the first wagon for restoration - a 5-plank open coal wagon of circa 1897.
Considering its age, the timberwork and underframing was in good condition. The Victorian “bitumastic” paint on the metalwork was removed with a wire brush drill. Several coatings of wood preserver and primer were added before the undercoat and top coat. All metalwork was primed and undercoated before painting in its original black.
It was at this point in the summer of 2005 that a new member, Allen Hollands expressed a wish to join Mick in the C&W restoration.
After the top coat was applied to the wagon sides, a professional signwriter was used to apply the writing. Haymen was a local coal merchant who would have served the Dockyard with coal for its coal fired ships. This wagon was completed and returned to service on the First of May 2006, having spent 2 years out of service.
Work then commenced on a
Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire 3-plank open wagon of 1874
and this was also returned to service in May 2006.
Since then much progress has been made and some fine wagons out-shopped. Work continues in 2008.
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Wagon Restoration Work |