Wagons in use - prototype

[MikeWilliams]

Thanks Andy.  I particularly like the last one you linked to, excellent for details of the capping strip at the corners and some internal strapping, as well as the coal loads.

Mike

[MikeWilliams]

Continuing the theme of prototype photos which can tell us something about modelling, here is a view of Thrapston station.

Thrapston was on the London & Birmingham Railway between Northampton and Peterborough, part of which is now the preserved Nene Valley Railway.  Indeed, Thrapston station building (which is listed), Wansford station building (also listed) and Wellingborough station building (demolished) have striking similarities and were all designed by the L&B's resident Architect J.W.Livock.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_William_Livock

The train consists entirely of open wagons and at first glance most appear to be empty, but in fact they are each carrying pig iron which, being heavy, only covers the floor of the wagons and is not stacked at all neatly.  There appear to be about 30 wagons with a break van at each end which I suspect is unusual (anyone care to comment?).  The engine appears to be LNWR, probably an 0-8-0 but just possibly a "19in Goods" 4-6-0.  Nearest the camera is an LNWR brake van with outside framing.  It is not easy to tell from this angle whether it is a 10ton (D16) or 20-ton (D17) but for 30 loaded wagons making a train weight of maybe 450 tons, I suspect the larger, which had six wheels.

The first open wagon is a single plank and letters "L Y" can just be made out on the side.  The left-handed brake lever is also a giveaway to its owning company although several other railways used them briefly.  The second wagon is a GWR 4-plank open (anyone know the diagram?) and third I think is also GWR; a 5-plank (again – details anyone?).  Note that both are fitted with tarpaulin bars (sheet rails), the first lowered to one side but the second in its upright position, proving that for a model wagon either position is acceptable.  Next come two single plank opens which could again be LYR but could equally be LNWR D1s.  The remainder of the train is a mixture of single plank and 4- or 5-plank open wagons of unknown origin but none can be positively identified as LNWR, even though the train has an LNWR engine, LNWR brake vans and is on a purely LNWR line – another point of note to modellers!

Other points of interest include:

Wagon turntable in left foreground with wooden slats to help pedestrians grip, or possibly for horses to grip, though I wouldn't have thought a horse would work that close to the end-loading, would it?
On the main platform is an assortment of barrows and seats which it would be so nice to see more of on models.

On the right hand platform is a water column of standard LNWR 8in type and a brazier with very tall chimney to hopefully take smoke away from waiting passengers.  Note how the track is paved with bricks at that point and no doubt there is a drain cover somewhere down there too – that would make a nice feature on a model railway, be it indoor detailed or outdoor live steam.  Almost out of shot in the front is a wooden barrow crossing which is another feature rarely seen on Gauge 3 model railways.

The signal is an LNW standard type but must have been replaced after the Great War because it has a concrete post.  Note how the arm is badly adjusted and not very horizontal, whereas both the main arms on the opposite platform are badly adjusted in the opposite direction as they point upwards!  Notice the enormous height of the signal post in the distance, and indeed of the telegraph poles.  The LNWR had signals up to 60ft high and these must be close to that.  That would be 2ft 8in tall in Gauge 3!

The building on the right is a standard LNWR Crewe-type wooden building and dates from maybe 40 years after the main station building, as indeed does the tall signalbox to what is known as "Type 4" design.  On that platform is what looks like a chocolate machine.  Further to the right, behind the platform, is what looks like rows of brick pavers forming a walkway for staff and the wall to its right is probably for loading and unloading cattle, just a sniff away from waiting passengers.

I do not know the date of the picture, but the concrete signal post, late profile of the distant engine cab spectacles and large proportion of non-LNWR wagons make me guess at post-Grouping, but not by much.  1923-4 perhaps.

My own model railway is still at the research and learning stage but will be a model of Wellingborough, although I must admit that modelling such an ornate station building does make me nervous!

All comments, observations and corrections gratefully received.

[Spitfire2865]

Mike, you must have eyes like a hawk to make out all that detail. Though Im sure the uploaded photo doesnt do the original credit.

[MikeWilliams]

Great to see you on here at last Trevor.  Welcome to the Gauge 3 Forum.

Mike

[MikeWilliams]

I should have mentioned that this image came from the extensive archives of the LNWR Society.

Mike

[Peaky 556]

My own model railway is still at the research and learning stage but will be a model of Wellingborough, although I must admit that modelling such an ornate station building does make me nervous!

All comments, observations and corrections gratefully received.

That must be the London Rd station at W'boro, Mike?  I vaguely remember waiting at the crossing gates there as a child. I think I may have an aerial oblique shot of the station; of any interest to you?
Regards, Tim

[MikeWilliams]

Thanks Tim,

Yes, it is that station.  Must confess that I knew nothing about it until a year or so ago.  That may be the aerial shot I have, which is very useful indeed.  There are a few challenges to the model: no drawings at all of the station; a complex footbridge which really should be modelled complete; a complex yard which will need to be simplified etc.

In due course I'll start a thread about the model, but its too early for that just now.

Thanks again.

Mike

[Andy B]

A period map to get your bearings and see the track layout can be found here, courtesy of the NLS.

Andy