Below:  Work on the chaldron waggons is also reaching what might be called a conclusion (for now!), with Tony, Daniel, David and Gordon all contributing to the works which will shortly enable us to operate 11 examples in the Colliery.  Recently overhauled is 1115, which has had a frame cross member replaced (the failure of this having rendered the waggon previously unusable) as well as routine plank replacement and the seemingly obligatory replacement of the square section top rails.  Gordon carried out the repaint of these waggon, as seen here.

It might be useful to summarise the current chaldron situation therefore:

Operating waggons (located in Colliery area):

L12      Requires final repainting, operational
L328    Completed, operational
L529    Repainted, requires numbering and lettering, operational, to be fitted with RCH buffing plank
L829    Requires final repainting, operational
L1115  Completed, operational
L1209  Requires final repainting, operational
L1210  Requires final repainting, operational
L1219  Completed, operational
L1281  Completed, operational
L1828  Requires final repainting, operational
L1833  Repainted, requires numbering and lettering, operational

In addition:

L1220  To be dismantled and rebuilt as box chaldron
L1221  To be dismantled and rebuilt as additional gate guardian
L1357  Former specimen item, to be dismantled for long term reconstruction

L389    On display at entrance as ‘gate guardian’

L25      Specimen item – conserved in original condition
L434    Specimen item – conserved in original condition

The latter two examples are kept intact, in original condition as reference points for future study.  The type has been comprehensively recorded, likewise samples of the lettering and numbering.  There are three derelict examples remaining, as well as some spare parts.  The plan is to dismantle all three of these to provide components for future restorations, which are likely to include one further chaldron (long term), one box chaldron, one brick waggon and also an additional gate guardian waggon.  There will be sufficient spare components to keep the 14 Londonderry type waggons (12 chaldrons, a box chaldron and a brick waggon) operational thereafter.  In addition, one flat waggon was built using Londonderry wheelsets, bearings and couplings.  This is used for occasional shunting and as a barrier waggon.  It carries no number.

It is proposed that at least one waggon will be under overhaul in the developing joinery facilities, in order to maintain both the type (iconic in this region) and the relevant skills required for a waggonwright working on this collection.

After the chaldrons are done I am keen to repeat the process for the MSC type side tipping waggons, and feel that a rake of three (two side tippers and an end tipper) is viable utilising the available components.  More of these in a future posting I expect…