178 Sister autocoach to 169

Introduction

Autotrailers are carriages that were the fore runners of today's Diesel Multiple Units. As early as the 1900's they were introduced to branch lines and suburban services right across the country. They allow the train's locomotive to be driven from the front cab of the carriage that is connected to the locomotive's controls by way of levers beneath the floor.

Having completed restoration of our locomotive, 5542, that operates regularly on the WSR we then looked to another project to ideally complement the operation. Having witnessed the successful visit of recently restored sister autotrailer 178 we were unable to resist the temptation of taking on the restoration of 169 which we had been offered from its previous owner based at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway. Despite her poor condition we are confident of a positive outcome to the project and although 5542 was never actually fitted for ‘auto operation' others of the same class were and it is our intention to fit the necessary parts to operate the 2 together recreating a little of the GWR branch line scene.

Restoration Work.

The carriage is now based at Williton in the Swindon Shed where we are now well advanced into setting up a fully equipped workshop. At time of writing, (July 2005) we have dismantled about half of the carriage and having carefully logged and photographed the existing framework and fittings. We now about to start producing the many wooden components required for the rebuild.

There is a whole range of work that you might be able to assist with from the restoration and refurbishing of the underframes, wheels and metalwork to the production and repair of the wooden framework and components of the body itself. We are a friendly bunch and work at Williton usually takes place on Saturdays, with plans to commence midweek working parties in the autumn. However due to the nature of the work there are very many smaller wooden items that could be produced by almost any ‘semi-skilled' wood worker at home, so you can assist even if you are not local to the WSR. (No excuses there then!). Another way that you could help is by fund raising, which in itself is the over riding factor controlling the progress of the project, or publicising the work going on. All funding of he work is generated from our own resources so the more funds raised the faster the progress.

If you think carriage restoration is the thing you would like to assist with please contact us via our website www.loco5542.co.uk that also has links to our dedicated Autotrailer 169 site.

Because the Williton site is not generally open to the public please contact us 2/3 days prior to your first visit.

John Wood Auto 169 Project 01823 257635(eves)