98707
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 012 this machine was delivered in 1986 and allocated to the Perth area for most of its life.
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.
It spent a short time on the far north line of Scotland - seen at Tain in 1994. It was purchased by R.D. Geeson of Ripley before moving to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth by 2002.
Restoration work continued on this machine along with its two Permaquip Personnel Carrier sisters 68805 & 68806 (and spare 68808.) They all gained a new red livery and names of Magic Roundabout characters (because of their hydraulic turntables.) 98707 was christened Dougal.
During 2007 they were deemed to be surplus to requirements and Dave purchased the PCT while an individual connected with the Aln Valley Railway bought the two PPCs. All three have now moved to Longhoughton. 98707 appears to have also now regained its original yellow livery!
Apart from our examples, only 98710 is now left rotting away at Andover.