The Chaldron project is rapidly drawing to the close of several aspects of this important project. Dave Potter has all but completed the drawings and survey, Alan Milburn has virtually completed the first waggon reconstruction and has prepared much of the material for the second waggon and I have carried out the research and survey of extant vehicles. There is so much material that we are likely to self publish a short publication on the subject…

Below: This is probably one of the very last pieces of Londonderry lettering in existence! Taken from the dismantled L1521, it is in store at the museum and is a complete board, with numbering, lettering and tare weight. It is therefore our specimen sample. Even the apparently original lettering on L25 appears to have had post-preservation interference so cannot be totally relied upon as accurate.

The style of lettering is interesting in itself, being very ‘folksy’ in appearance, something that will be replicated on our rebuilds and repaints…

Below: L25 was brought out of storage in order that it be photographed. This rare appearance revealed a number of interesting features, which have been duly recorded, and that were not appearent when in the darkness of the stores. Unfortunately this waggon (like most) has lost the original door, though the metalwork remains.

Below: L25 from the North…

Below: And from the south – I suspect this lettering has been reapplied at some point post-Seaham using the remains of the original as a guide.

Below: Meanwhile in the colliery, Alan Milburn has virtually finished the erection of the first rebuild (L1219) and has carried out much preparatory work on the next waggon, which will be rapidly assembled in the space occupied by LH&JC No.14 which will be moved this weekend (or next) for final display at Beamish pending its move to new owners, the Tanfield Railway…

The space it occupies will be dedicated to waggon works for some time to come, though there are plans for further steam exhibits in this area – watch this space…