ROLLING STOCK

The current operating fleet consists of four Mardyke 'steel heavyweight' American style coaches each seating four people. Originally painted in neutral grey with a red stripe above the windows, the coaches at some point received a coat of mushroom coloured paint. We are hoping to have time to repaint each of the four in steel livery as the year progresses.
All four of these coaches were ballasted with cement blocks in 2000 to try to lower the centre of gravity as far as possible. The disadvantage of this is that it has increased the overall weight of the train.

A fifth 'steel heavyweight' type tail car is also on the line but has not been used for some years. At first glance it seems in reasonable fettle but the bodywork has suffered badly during its years of inactivity and it needs lifting off its bogies to check the wheelsets. At present it is being used as our tool truck.

Initially we thought there were only two British outline coaches but we have since found another two stored in the open elsewhere at the Strand. All four coaches used to partner the HST but have been stored out of service for at least six years. Although the bodyshells are sound the coaches have few seats left fitted and need an overhaul before they can enter service. It is likely that they will remain in the burgundy and cream livery with the resotred HST painted to match. Unlike the USA coaches the British ones have not been ballasted.

STOP PRESS: The first two of the British coaches are now in our workshops being restored but following problems with security (the shed doubles as a tunnel when we are operating) we will not be returning them to the railway until we can be sure these coaches will be safe from the petty vandalism we have suffered recently.

Back to top of page