Trustworthy, administrator
6,735
edits
Changes
Partnership working solves major access problem at Pickford’s building
The '''Carriage Repair Works carries out ''' is split across two main sites at [[Kidderminster]] and [[Bewdley]]. Both works are closed to the public, except during special events such as the [[Open House Weekend]]. ==Kidderminster Carriage Repair Works==[[File: Dynamo_Test_Rigs_20170715.jpg |thumb|300px|right | Dynamo test rigs in the 'North Star Works']]The most conspicuous repair works is the former GWR goods shed, informally known as the 'North Star Works',<ref>SVR News 88 Summer 1988, pp.38-41., ''North Star Carriage Works'', Colin Jenkins</ref> the large building which can be seen beyond the platform in the photograph. It is situated next to the main Network Rail running lines, so access to the back face and roof of the building for inspection or maintenance normally takes place during an engineering possession of the main line. As part of a wider collaboration, in late February 2024 Network Rail's survey drone team completed a thorough daytime visual inspection of the back face, with no disruption to main line services<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/blmar24 'Partnership working solves major access problem at Pickford’s building', Branch Lines, March 2024]</ref>. ===Kidderminster goods shed history===During the GWR era, steam locomotives were prohibited from entering the goods shed. The GWR kept two shunting horses in a stable on the opposite side of the main line behind the carriage siding, one of which would be led across the tracks each day. Two men were required to manage shunting in the shed, one to tend the horse and the other the wagons.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Turley (2005)]] p. 83.</ref> After BR use ended, the shed was acquired by the National Freight Corporation (formerly British Road Services or “BRS”). In 1978 the SVR were negotiating to acquire the shed for use as the terminus for the proposed extension from Bewdley to Kidderminster. However the plan fell through when NFC decided to retain the building for use by one of their member companies, Pickfords Removals,<ref>SVR News 50</ref> and the SVR’s Kidderminster Town station was instead [[The development of Kidderminster Town Station| constructed on the adjacent former goods yard]]. In summer 1985, the year after Kidderminster Town opened, the goods shed was put on the market by Pickfords and the repairs opportunity was taken to acquire it by the SVR's .<ref>SVR News 76</ref> After some delay due to difficulties with access for services, completion of the purchase of the freehold finally took place in summer 1986<ref>SVR News 83</ref>. ===Carriage works facilities===In Autumn 1986 the "Stock and Shares" [[:Category:SVR fundraising lotteries|SVRA raffle]] raised funds for fitting out the goods shed as a carriage works, which were used to purchase a set of carriage fleetlifting jacks for jacking up carriages for bogie overhauls.<ref>SVR News 81, 82</ref> Fitting out continued through 1987 as Pickfords gradually vacated the building and offices, with the ground floor plan including a compressor room, a machine shop, a sheet metal shop (to be used as a fabrication shop) and a joinery shop. A mezzanine floor is used for storage, although serviced by a goods lift. Tracks were laid into the building with [[GWR 9627 Restaurant Third]] becoming the first carriage restoration to enter and be lifted in February 1988.<ref>SVR News 88, "North Star Carriage Works", Colin Jenkins</ref> In spring 1997 the north end of the North Star Works was fitted out as a paint shop and two new permanent staff (including [[Hugh McQuade]]) taken on to man it.<ref>SVR News 122</ref> The works is mainly used for lighter bodywork repairs. Rail access is via the [[Connection to Network Rail]]. The works has two dynamo test rigs, dating from around 1898, which are still in use for servicing the dynamos fitted to carriages to charge their batteries. The blue bulbs used in the test rigs, which still work, were LMS 1941 wartime issue for coach blackout precautions.<ref>Notice on the test rigs</ref> They were acquired from the LMS Wolverton Works and installed in the North Star Works during 2005-06.<ref>SVR News 152</ref><br clear="all"/> ==Bewdley Carriage and repair Wagon Department==[[File:Bewdley_Paint_Shop_20150801.jpg |thumb|300px|right | Bewdley paint shop]]Much work is also done takes place at [[Bewdley Carriage & Wagon Department | Bewdley]]which generally carries out heavier bodywork repairs. Bewdley also has a carriage paint shop. Carriage restoration from derelict condition by groups including the [[Great Western (SVR) Association]], [[The Repair LNER (SVR) Coach Fund]] and the [[Charitable Trust]] also takes place here. ==Other facilities==Day to day maintenance, light repairs and repaints are carried out in the [[Kidderminster Carriage Shed#Carriage_repair_facility|carriage repair facility in Kidderminster Carriage Shed]]. Carriage restoration is also carried out in the cattle dock at [[Bridgnorth]] by the Bridgnorth Carriage and Wagon Department. Carriages may be painted in the paint shop at [[Bridgnorth Loco Works is closed ]]. The Carriage Maintenance Store at Kidderminster, which can be seen next to the public[[Diesel Depot]], except during was formerly the Rope Works store at the GWR’s Swindon works.<ref>SVR News 151</ref> ==Gallery==<gallery>File: Kidderminster_Carriage_Works_20150725.jpg | Another view of the North Star WorksFile: Carriage works 1.jpg | Kidderminster Carriage Repair Works, northern endFile: Carriage works 2.jpg | Kidderminster Carriage Repair Works, northern end detailFile: Carriage works 3.jpg | Kidderminster Carriage Repair Works, northern end detailFile: | Bewdley Carriage Paint ShopFile: Carriage_Maintenance_Store_20151122.jpg | Carriage Maintenance Store, ex GWR Swindon Works</gallery> == See also ==*[[Members & Shareholders WeekendCarriages | List of Carriages]]*[[Rolling stock currently under restoration]]*[[Businesses located at SVR stations]] ==References==<references/> {{#coordinates:52.383139|-2.239448|[primary|][dim:1000]}} [[Category:SVR fundraising lotteries]][[Category:Featured articles]]