A project to recreate one of the major gaps in the present preserved waggon fleet
Donate Now
Click here and select “Donate to the bogie ballast truck” to support this project.
Background and Aim
In 1874, Boston Lodge works built two handsome bogie trucks (Nos.88 and 105) described in stock returns as being for “12 tons of ballast, 8 tons of coal or 8 tons of corn in sacks”. As line improvements were being undertaken (with easing of curves and relaying with heavier rail following the successful introduction of double Fairlie locomotives), their primary purpose of “Permanent Way Ballast Truck” was affixed as shown in the photograph of No.88 taken in the late 1870s.
In later years, it is thought likely that their main use became the movement of coal (in particular the transport of coal to Boston Lodge). For this purpose, some changes were made (including the doors being fixed closed), as shown in the photograph of No.105 taken by Bleasdale in 1887. Both trucks remained in service until the early 1900s when taken to Boston Lodge for an unknown conversion.
The introduction of these bogie goods vehicles ties in with the two initial brake vans being delivered from Brown Marshalls and Co. Ltd. in 1872, with one more in 1876 and the last two in 1880. There are evident design similarities between the braked bogies of both the vans and the Ballast Truck, with the handbrake column rising from the centre of the braked bogie, although the unbraked bogie is of simpler construction. The decade also saw bogie carriages 15/16 arrive in 1874 and the four bowsides in 1876 and 1879.
The Aim
The aim of the project is to fill a gap in the heritage waggon fleet by recreating a vehicle that looks identical to that shown in the photograph above, number 88. We recognise however that beauty is only skin deep, and the finished truck needs to be of practical use! Whilst the replica Truck will recreate an important element of the FR’s permanent way history, it can additionally help highlight the important (and arguably overlooked) role that granite traffic played in the railway’s history. We propose that the Truck – alongside the restoration of 4-wheel granite waggons in the pipeline – can play an important role in helping tell this story. From a build and operational perspective, we propose to incorporate a number of ‘under the skin’ design differences to ease construction, build and maintenance.
Why now?
The Wooden Waggon Federation (WWF) was formed in 2018 when the Waggon Tracks shed project came to a close and volunteer focus moved back to waggon work. The WWF started volunteering under the wing of Team X to learn skills and team members are signed off to use Carriage Works machinery under the guidance of the carriage works staff. The team has also grown and built up a base of skills that have so far led to the rebuilding of all four surviving open goods waggons, the last joining the operating fleet at the Bygones weekend 2025.
Credit: Peter Johnson
Design
The design aim is to recreate the appearance of the original Bogie Ballast Truck whilst making adjustments to the design to help facilitate its construction and ensure its survivability and usability in service. Some of the key design considerations are as follows:
- Frame – We propose that the frame for the replica will be steel construction with wood cladding (emulating the design of the Curly Roof Van). This will ensure that the frame is suitably robust for use in longer trains providing greater operating flexibility, and the chassis will be sufficiently twist resistant.
- Body – Oak with stainless fixings. There are a number of metal straps in the heritage store that appear to be from one of the originals. A decision is needed whether this is the case and if it is possible they can be incorporated in the new build.
- Bogies – different designs of bogie at each end (as per the original), including the distinctive central handbrake.
- Wheelsets – newly cast and fabricated, we believe the originals would have had slate waggon 1’6” three slotted oval design. We already have a new pattern for these.
- Couplings – hook and link as per the original.
- Draw Gear – as per van 10, plate bolted to the bottom of the frame with a bar to allow the hook and link to rotate somewhat to assist in navigating curves
- Buffers – attached to the body as per the original, however design to be agreed as there are presently no pictures known that show this detail.
- Braking – whilst we are not proposing that it is vacuum braked we are going to integrate a subtle design for having it piped, which can be removed as required. Handbrake will be operable.
Plans for build
The build would take place in three main stages:
Stage 1: Bogies: assemble the ‘kit of parts’ which can be relatively easily stored in a flat pack configuration with various machining jobs (eg wheelsets) undertaken as resource becomes available. Once assembled the bogies can easily be moved to where storage is available such as the Waggon Tracks or Maenofferen sheds.
Stage 2: Frame: the steel frame would hopefully be contracted to the fabrication team at Boston Lodge as they have a wealth of experience in this area. Some of the work might be able to be done by volunteers to mitigate cost, such as weld preps and painting. Once constructed it should be simple to mate with the bogies and drawgear hence easily moved to the best available storage.
Stage 3: Body: Many parts of the body can be worked on separately, timbers, flooring, doors, metalwork and stored flat packed elsewhere before the final assembly. This is the part of the project that will take up the most space for the most time in the Carriage works so timing will be key. However once at the right point and space is available the rolling frame can be wheeled in and the body put on.
Please Support our Project!
The Heritage Group is leading the fundraising for this project, if you would like to donate please click here and select “Donate to the bogie ballast truck” to make a one time donation.
Can we be in your round?
For £8.80 (see what we did there!), the price of only two pints a month, why not set up a standing order to the Heritage Group and let your contribution build?
The Bank Details are as follows:
- Account name: Festiniog Railway Heritage Group
- Account number: 06426824
- Sort code: 54-30-07
- Please give the reference “Bogie Ballast”
Merchandise
Watch this space. We are developing a range of exciting merchandise for you appreciation and support for the project.