Stefcomatic
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
A standard gauge Matisa track tamper built by Matisa Industrielle SA, Lausanne, Switzerland, and acquired by the FR from British Rail in 1968.
This was one of the early Matisa designs and was delivered to the Southern Region of BR in 1956. It was rebuilt and regauged at Boston Lodge to suit the FR's needs by volunteer engineer Steve Coulson, entering service on the FR in 1978.
In June 2000, during WHR (C) Phase 2 construction, it was temporarily moved to the Cae Wernlas Ddu tracklaying base. It was not suited to tamping on the steepest gradients but was used on the more easily-graded approach to Waunfawr before being returned to the FR.
Stefcomatic at Minffordd Yard- side 1
*Date: 21st Dec 2002 *Photo: Roger Dimmick
*Date: 21st Dec 2002 *Photo: Roger Dimmick
Stefcomatic at Minffordd Yard - side 2
*Date: 16th Mar 2003 *Photo: Roger Dimmick
*Date: 16th Mar 2003 *Photo: Roger Dimmick
Some interesting information on the history of Matisa tampers can be found at Ron King's site.