Instanter Coupling
Query by
Michael L. Roach
Query by
Michael L. Roach
INSTANTER COUPLING
In 1905 the GWR started running fast goods trains fitted or partially fitted with the vacuum brake. On vacuum-fitted wagons the company normally used either the screw coupling or the “instanter” coupling as shown in the attached drawing. The middle link of the instanter coupling can be shortened by turning it over. I believe that there are still some types of wagon using the instanter coupling. Does anyone know which types of wagon please ?
SCAN: 5393 Drawing of the instanter coupling
In 1905 the GWR started running fast goods trains fitted or partially fitted with the vacuum brake. On vacuum-fitted wagons the company normally used either the screw coupling or the “instanter” coupling as shown in the attached drawing. The middle link of the instanter coupling can be shortened by turning it over. I believe that there are still some types of wagon using the instanter coupling. Does anyone know which types of wagon please ?
SCAN: 5393 Drawing of the instanter coupling
Many thanks for the question Mike. Can anybody help please.
Walker Lines
On the B & W
Andrew and Diane Jones
My expertise mainly centres around the Bodmin to Wadebridge line, but a recent set of photographs with reference the Walker Lines siding in Bodmin prompted me to delve into my archive.
During the spring of 1983, with written permission from BR, I photographed the entire GWR connection from Bodmin Road to Bodmin General. At the time there was no certainty of preservation.
I have attached a walk through from the Walker Lines points to Bodmin General Station, which had been much rationalised and housed a Bri-a-brac store under the cover of the original station canopy. The double road bridge of Victorian construction is evident and as I write this is being replaced.
Although the siding was connected during BR ownership I can find little information about when it was installed but it was there in 1983 and I would consider it was possibly constructed during the 70’s. ( any Society member with information on dates would be greatly appreciated )
The Walker Lines site was originally built for the army and named after Harold Bridgewood Walker, built as an extension to the Devon and Cornwall Light Infantry Barracks at Bodmin and eventually became the JSSL (Joint Services School for Linguists) before closure in the early 60’s.
Considering the site played an important role during World War 2 it never had a rail connection during this period.
Peter Fitzgerald, a director of Fitzgerald Lighting, a company once famous for the production of fluorescent light fittings’ who exported to all over the world, eventually was instrumental in the sidings construction and helped to provide a preservation base for the embryo organisation that exists today.
The provision of points on any railway are not something lightly undertaken, least of all because of the safety issues, but by the time of construction the daily traffic was sporadic and generally low speed. (derailments are a greater risk over connecting points and can be very expensive!)
Eventually under preservation a freight flow was inaugurated using the Walker line connection on the 2nd December 1989 and continued until 11th December 1992 and latterly between 2000 and 2001 using B&W class 20 or class 33 locomotives and VGA wagons. BR only collected the wagons at Bodmin Road exchange sidings, for forward transit.
Today the Walker Lines siding is used for storage of preservation stock and a proposed undercover facility for passenger coaches, thus the need for the new increased radius installation illustrated in the recent contribution by Roger.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane Jones
During the spring of 1983, with written permission from BR, I photographed the entire GWR connection from Bodmin Road to Bodmin General. At the time there was no certainty of preservation.
I have attached a walk through from the Walker Lines points to Bodmin General Station, which had been much rationalised and housed a Bri-a-brac store under the cover of the original station canopy. The double road bridge of Victorian construction is evident and as I write this is being replaced.
Although the siding was connected during BR ownership I can find little information about when it was installed but it was there in 1983 and I would consider it was possibly constructed during the 70’s. ( any Society member with information on dates would be greatly appreciated )
The Walker Lines site was originally built for the army and named after Harold Bridgewood Walker, built as an extension to the Devon and Cornwall Light Infantry Barracks at Bodmin and eventually became the JSSL (Joint Services School for Linguists) before closure in the early 60’s.
Considering the site played an important role during World War 2 it never had a rail connection during this period.
Peter Fitzgerald, a director of Fitzgerald Lighting, a company once famous for the production of fluorescent light fittings’ who exported to all over the world, eventually was instrumental in the sidings construction and helped to provide a preservation base for the embryo organisation that exists today.
The provision of points on any railway are not something lightly undertaken, least of all because of the safety issues, but by the time of construction the daily traffic was sporadic and generally low speed. (derailments are a greater risk over connecting points and can be very expensive!)
Eventually under preservation a freight flow was inaugurated using the Walker line connection on the 2nd December 1989 and continued until 11th December 1992 and latterly between 2000 and 2001 using B&W class 20 or class 33 locomotives and VGA wagons. BR only collected the wagons at Bodmin Road exchange sidings, for forward transit.
Today the Walker Lines siding is used for storage of preservation stock and a proposed undercover facility for passenger coaches, thus the need for the new increased radius installation illustrated in the recent contribution by Roger.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane Jones
Walker Lines siding looking towards Bodmin General clipped out of use 1983. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
With official permission from B.R. Andrew waked the line from Walker lines to Bodmin General. This is the rail over road bridge over the Lostwithiel road. Taken in 1983 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Bodmin General station in 1983 - already quite a bit of demolition has taken place. and the layout has been reduced. Thank heavens the site wasn't further rationalised and the station building removed. Copyright Andrew Jones.
Stock stored at Walker Lines
Walker Lines Class 20 11th September 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen
Walker Lines on the 20th May 1995 with some of the stored stock. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The Fitzgerald Freight at Bodmin Parkway on the 30th June 1997. KJ
There are many more illustrations with Andrews article please click here to get to Features Jan to June 22 and look for item 22 08.
Par
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
50011 Centurian waits at Par as 47603 County of Somerset arrives on the 15.40 Penzance to Milton Keynes 47603 later to become 47745 Royal London society for the blind 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.