Widely travelled Wickham restored after much use

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PERMANENTWAY Type 27A MkIII rail trolley No. WD9024 (Wickham 7090) was returned to service last year.

It is currently based on the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.

Wickham rail trolley No. WD9024 and its trailer behind is seen at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway in May. In front, left, is a lashed-up passenger vehicle for PW workers. PICTURE: PHIL MARSH

It was delivered new in 1955 to the Ministry of Supply at Kineton, Warwickshire, and sold to the Battlefield Line on August 18, 1977. Passing to the Swanage Railway in late 1982 it was then bought by two members of the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway in December 1994.

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It saw much use and received attention to the bodywork, engine, transmission and exhaust system over the years, but for various reasons, fell into disrepair and disuse.

One of the two owners took it on completely, with its Wickham Type 17 trailer, on the condition they were restored.

The trolley has been stripped down, cleaned and painted. Everything has been refurbished and improved, brakes fitted on the trolley and also installed on the trailer.

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It has not been restored to exact original form as the brief was to improve reliability, safety and practicality, as it is required for frequent use.

Read more News and Features in the July 2017 issue of The RM – on sale now!


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