During 2010 we are planning to continue the excellent progress we have made recently on the restoration of 169.
Please visit our dedicated Appeal site by clicking HERE for more details and information about helping our project.
This historic vehicle is currently being restored under the management of Locomotive 5542 Ltd
G.W.R. Autotrailer 169 and Prairie Tank 5542
Last Update 08/12/2009
5542 with Sister Autocoach 178
The restoration of Great Western Railway Autotrailer No 169 is underway, we invite you to become a 'Founder Member' of this exciting restoration project associated with the West Somerset Railway. (See below)
Wanted Do you have any surplus Transport related Books, Videos, DVDs etc. We would welcome your donations of suitable items for resale during the W.S.R.Spring Gala. 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 particularly need a Handbrake column 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. Currently a Router Table is the main item on our wish list and also a Piller drill would be useful. 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.
Inside Autocoach 225
Regular work on 169 usually takes place on Saturdays and Wednesdays at the Williton shed. 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 you 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.
Ask about woodworking jobs on Saturdays; we are currently working on body frame sections and the cab. We need interior door handles (4 more) and one more exterior door handle. We need a handbrake column and wheel.
Follow the Link above to see a gallary of photographs of the restoration
of Auto169 hosted by Steve Edge
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 £4 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 initial response to the idea.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PROJECT TO RESTORE AN HISTORIC G.W.R. CARRIAGE FOR REGULAR USE ON THE W.S.R.
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?
Built Swindon Diagram A27 Lot 1349 delivered January 1929.
59 ft 6 in over body ends
12 ft. 3 in. Rail to roof
Bogies Collett 7 ft wheelbase heavy duty
Seats 72 ( including 8 emergency ones in luggage compartment).
Repainted cream, brown and gold livery Sept 1931
Handles altered corner pillars cut back Dec 1932
End windows painted black Feb 1935
ATC fitted (date not known?)
All brown livery with orange stripe by 1943 until at least 1948.
End window plated over after 1948.Ran regularly with trailer 170.
Worked regularly from the following locations; Merthyr, Aberdare, Cardiff, Nelson, Caerphilly, and Gloucester.
Cond. Nov 1961
To service stock as no. 064749 Dec 1961 Gloucester loco.
Cond. ( again!) by 1982.
Further dimensions;
Drivers compartment 3 ft. 9 in, deep
Smoking saloon 33 ft. 5 in.
Passengers vestibule 3 ft. 9 in. sliding door to sliding door.
Non smoking saloon 10 ft. 11 ½ in. long.
Luggage compartment 6ft, 6 ¾ in. deep.