OTPPG

Works number PCT 011 this machine was delivered in 1986 and initially allocated to the Reading area. 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 Aldershot but by 1994 it had moved to Andover. It was used from here to inspect the branch to MOD Ludgershall.

It has since spent most of the rest of its days languishing near the station at Andover but has remained in reasonable condition. It was finally rescued by the OTPPG in November 2008 after being kindly donated to us by Colas Rail (formerly AMEC.)

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.