98702
This machine is a Powered Canopy Trolley and was built in 1986. Initially designed to carry equipment and provide cover to workers during the welding of rail joints it was later used as an inspection trolley.
Works number PCT 007 this machine was delivered in 1986 and initially allocated to the Lenton area, moving to Walsall shortly afterwards.
Part of a series of twelve bought by BR, these machines are lightweight vehicles which provided full protection to welds being formed using the thermit welding process. In one self-contained unit they provided all the facilities, equipment and materials needed for the rapid production of high quality welds.
The machines could be on and off-tracked using the Permaquip Tracess system. This basically involves the machine's undermounted turntable mechanism and removable metal bars (that are stored in the rear compartments) assembled to form a ramp off a lorry and onto flat sections fixed to the railhead at right-angles to the rails. A similar process can leave the machine on a trackside "stillage" - i.e. a stabling point on top of the metal framework at the lineside.
In 1992 it was reallocated to Exmouth Junction and was sold to the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway in 1998, along with 98705, 98709 and 98711.
During it's time at the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway it was rebuilt using parts from the other three.
In 2005 it moved to the Fawley Hill railway where it saw very little use, before moving to Longhoughton at the start of September 2007.
Apart from our examples, only 98710 is left rotting away at Andover.