98706
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 010 this machine was delivered in 1986 and initially allocated to the West Highland Line at Crianlarich. 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.
By 1991 it was reallocated to Shettleston and it received an overhaul there in the spring of 1994. Following this it returned to Crianlarich for use as an inspection trolley. It was now equipped with a generator with power points, a hedge trimmer, power saw, disc cutters, two tower lights and a track wrench. Its duties on the West Highland Line concentrated on dealing with emergencies such as fallen trees south of Crianlarich.
It spent a long time at Rutherglen after being purchased by Elec Track Installations in 1999.
It remained there until 2004 when it was rescued by the OTPPG. It was kindly donated by ETI after an initial mix-up regarding ownership! Full story in the news section.
Apart from our examples, only 98710 is left rotting away at Andover.
Details of the other machines' disposals are rather sketchy!
98700 Stored at York Leeman Road for some time before being auctioned for scrap at Chesterfield around 1999/2000
98701 Stored at York Leeman Road for some time before being auctioned for scrap at Chesterfield around 1999/2000
98703 Scrapped by Rollason of Telford at Rugby OTPD during the latter part of 1996
98704 Sold for scrap from Rutherglen during 1998
98708 Scrapped on site by Raxstar at Woking - August 2005
If anyone can fill in any gaps please let us know! Photos would also be welcome to accompany the shots in our gallery!
A lot of the information above is gleaned from the various Platform 5 / SCT Publishing OTP books so we are very grateful to the publishers.