19th June 2009

There will always be a long list of ‘one day projects’ to carry out at Beamish, but here is a selection of some of the more unusual which actually stand a chance of seeing the light of day!

Below: I am not entirely sure yet as to the origins of this vehicle, clearly a tip cart with centrally placed axle for stability and to create a pivot. Some such carts carried liquids but this one may have been for road chippings. More research is needed! Needless to say it is a big job! The wheels have disappeared, though the hubs remain, and the ironwork is in poor condition. However, nothing is impossible and this may well one day follow the water carts and street sweepers into the road menders yard…

Below: This 1924 ex Keighley trolleybus (more correctly, a Rail-less) is an interesting prospect for both restoration and operation. Unlike many hedgerow discoveries, it has its chassis, axles and a set of wheels. Some work to stabilise the body has been undertake but it remains very much in the long-term plan for the museum. Unless someone wants to pay for us to do it?!

Below: This Dixon’s of Durham furniture van is an interesting case. Now sat on new wheels, the side panels bear the remains of the original signwriting. This colourful can is a candidate for conservation rather than restoration due to its originality, but we may be able to save the sideboards and preserve these separately and restore the van. We shall see…

Below: This timber limber is actually a forthcoming project to be undertaken by the Friends. Much of the timber is fit only to be a pattern, but the project is manageable in scale. It consists of four wheels on two carriages linked by a centre pole or spine. The view below shows the rear carriage, which is fitted with the brakes. I think this cart, moving felled trees, behind a traction engine would be a rather nice addition to the fleet!