Our Sales and Information
stand at Williton during the West Somerset Railway Spring
Steam Gala on 17th 18th and 24th - 25th March was very busy, especially
on the second weekend when the sun brought out the crowds.
New photos added to Project
History of 169 when we first acquired her.
A page with photos of Auto 169 in BR service has been
added at 169 in GWR/BR service - all too few
photos at present, do have any more we could use on this site?
Another new page is Bogies
showing some of the work being done to overhaul the bogies.
Locomotive 5542 Ltd saw auto coach 169 as a perfect
partner for their small prairie tank engine and as a chance to restore
another part of the the history of the Great Western Railway. Auto
169 is being restored at Williton on the West Somerset Railway.
The underframe - on its bogies together with part of the body - is in
the "Swindon Shed" while most of the woodwork to produce replacement
body frames is being done at our neighbouring industrial unit.
169
Working Parties
Regular work on 169
usually takes place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at the
Williton workshop . All help is most welcome, and should you like to
assist with our project please come along from about 10am. If you are
travelling any distance, or it is your first visit
please e-mail 2-3 days
beforehand to confirm details. The work site is not open to the public
so any visits must be by prior arrangement.
This video shows our
loco 5542 working
with similar autotrailers 163 and 178.
5542 with similar auto 178 - perfect
partners.
Inside Autocoach 225
Layout drawing of Auto 169
Wanted Do
you have any surplus Transport related Books, DVDs etc. We would
welcome your donations of suitable items for resale.
Please contact us to
arrange delivery/local collection by
clicking here The sale of these items raise
valuable funds to help the restoration
program so please look out those unwanted items.
We are always on the
lookout for items relating to GWR Autotrailers and associated fittings
along with Right Hand Door Handles and external grab handles. We do
have some surplus Left Hand door handles so please contact us if you
need some or possibly want to swop.
Suitable tools and
equipment to help in the rebuilding process are always welcome but do
need to be fairly modern and in good working order to conform with
current legislation. Good quality hardwood or reasonable sized 'offcuts'
along with any carpentry hand tools are always useful as are surplus
brass or Stainless Steel woodscrews. Use the above link to contact us
if you think you have items of use to us.
Do you know of any photographs of GWR/BR Autotrailers
(particularly 169) taken whilst they were in service?
Please let us know if you have any we may add to this
site or add to a list of links.
WHY NOT BECOME A MEMBER ?
Whilst we are aware that the project to rebuild 169 is
no small task, we are confident that we can source the necessary skills,
funds and manpower to ensure a successful outcome. We are keen to hear
from anyone who wishes to assist the project in any way.
Members :
All financial support is most welcome and a Members
program is offered at 3 levels of contribution,
· Gold £500 · Silver £250
· Bronze £125
Contributions can be outright or by Standing
Order
from just £5 per month
. Other donations of funds or articles for resale are welcome.
All donations of £20 or
more will receive a 'Certificate of Thanks' and become a
'Friend of 169'.
For further details of this exciting project please
E-Mail for more
information. We have already sourced a number of missing parts and
received an excellent response to the project. However additional
funds are still required to ensure our excellent progress continues.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS
PROJECT TO RESTORE THIS HISTORIC G.W.R. CARRIAGE FOR REGULAR USE
Sponsorship :
We are looking for sponsors. We have a sponsor for
window glass, would you or your company like to sponsor part of an
historic railway coach? We need a supply of oak for repairs to the
framework. We need screws by the hundred; We need hardboard,
panelling, flooring, light fittings, seats and upholstery.
Can you help?
Please help us to continue our restoration of this
historic Great Western Railway Autotrailer
Download a Donation or
Standing Order form and return it to us
today to help us continue to progress.
Use the links below to explore the site or see
Site Map for a list of all the pages.
