GWR Diesel Railcar
on the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Mick House
A bit out of our area but I thought it was worthy of putting on the site as it is relevant.
On a recent visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway (06/06/2024) and having a number of trips up and down the line from Tenterden to Bodiam, hauled by Class 20 087, I then made my way over to the shed at Tenterden and as the doors were open, I could see one of their restoration projects just inside the doorway it was GWR Diesel Railcar No. W20W. I inquired as to the possibility of a tour of the shed and to my surprise the answer was yes, not only that, but I was treated to a look around the interior of the Railcar.
The railcar is fitted with a separate high-low ratio gearbox on the final drive side of the gearbox, which allowed a top speed of about 60–70 mph (97–113 km/h) in high and about 40–45 mph (64–72 km/h) in low and was capable of hauling a tail load of up to 60 tons. No. W20W purchased by the K&ESR, it arrived at Robertsbridge on 3rd April 1966. It formed the first fare paying public train on 3rd February 1974 and for the next five years it regularly ran, Saturday morning services. Although in mechanically sound condition, it was withdrawn from service during 1980 suffering badly from bodywork corrosion.
Towards the end of my visit around the shed, I also looked at D9504 having work done on its, Paxman 6 cylinder Ventura 6YJXL engine with Voith L217U hydraulic transmission, this was one of the Swindon built class 14s nicknamed 'Teddy Bears'.
I would like to thank all the staff both on the trains and in the shed for a memorable day out, many thanks.
We would be interested to receive any information/photos of this Railcar No. W20W, where it used to run on GWR.
On a recent visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway (06/06/2024) and having a number of trips up and down the line from Tenterden to Bodiam, hauled by Class 20 087, I then made my way over to the shed at Tenterden and as the doors were open, I could see one of their restoration projects just inside the doorway it was GWR Diesel Railcar No. W20W. I inquired as to the possibility of a tour of the shed and to my surprise the answer was yes, not only that, but I was treated to a look around the interior of the Railcar.
The railcar is fitted with a separate high-low ratio gearbox on the final drive side of the gearbox, which allowed a top speed of about 60–70 mph (97–113 km/h) in high and about 40–45 mph (64–72 km/h) in low and was capable of hauling a tail load of up to 60 tons. No. W20W purchased by the K&ESR, it arrived at Robertsbridge on 3rd April 1966. It formed the first fare paying public train on 3rd February 1974 and for the next five years it regularly ran, Saturday morning services. Although in mechanically sound condition, it was withdrawn from service during 1980 suffering badly from bodywork corrosion.
Towards the end of my visit around the shed, I also looked at D9504 having work done on its, Paxman 6 cylinder Ventura 6YJXL engine with Voith L217U hydraulic transmission, this was one of the Swindon built class 14s nicknamed 'Teddy Bears'.
I would like to thank all the staff both on the trains and in the shed for a memorable day out, many thanks.
We would be interested to receive any information/photos of this Railcar No. W20W, where it used to run on GWR.
GWR Diesel Railcar No. W20W. Copyright Mick House.
Roof panelling is well on the way to being finished. Copyright Mick House.
Roof panelling, lighting and side panelling virtually finished. Copyright Mick House.
Cab Interior. Copyright Mick House.
Cab Interior. Copyright Mick House.
Cab Interior. Copyright Mick House.
One of the sides is almost finished. Copyright Mick House.
Built at Swindon in 1940, it has two AEC diesel engines each driving the inner axel via a Cardan shaft on each of the two four wheeled bogies, the Cardan shaft leading from the engine to one bogie. Copyright Mick House.
The guards end, showing the double doors to the guards/baggage compartment and the sides of the vehicle. Copyright Mick House.
The guards end, showing the double doors to the guards/baggage compartment and the sides of the vehicle. Copyright Mick House.
Class 14 D9504 having work done on its, Paxman 6 cylinder Ventura 6YJXL engine. Copyright Mick House.
Many thanks Mick - if anybody has any info on the railcars workings over the GWR, please drop us an email - [email protected]
Within a few hours of putting the above on the website, we received the response below from Peter Dawe - Many thanks for this additional information, Peter.
GSWR Railcar 20
Peter Dawe
I moved with my family just aged 7 to Dorchester on New Year’s Day 1955.
Local services, all stations and halts, through Dorchester West from Weymouth to Maiden Newton or Yeovil were provided by either a GWR railcar or a 14xx plus a push pull carriage. Some busier services were 57xx plus two carriages.
20 was one of the railcars which I remember along with 24 and 25 on this duty. Only one was allocated to Weymouth (82F)at a time. I regret that I cannot remember 20’s exact dates.
These workings were largely replaced by Cross Country units often running as 2 cars c1959 and the last GWR railcar was moved away.
Peter Dawe
Local services, all stations and halts, through Dorchester West from Weymouth to Maiden Newton or Yeovil were provided by either a GWR railcar or a 14xx plus a push pull carriage. Some busier services were 57xx plus two carriages.
20 was one of the railcars which I remember along with 24 and 25 on this duty. Only one was allocated to Weymouth (82F)at a time. I regret that I cannot remember 20’s exact dates.
These workings were largely replaced by Cross Country units often running as 2 cars c1959 and the last GWR railcar was moved away.
Peter Dawe
Thanks again, Peter.
Grogley Halt Buffet
Andrew & Diane Jones
Dear Admin, Roger and Keith,
50 years too late, a station buffet has been established at Grogley Halt.
Under the proposed re-nationalisation of the railways, I wonder if any lessons have been learnt, or will another Dr Beeching appear under the guise of efficiency!
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
50 years too late, a station buffet has been established at Grogley Halt.
Under the proposed re-nationalisation of the railways, I wonder if any lessons have been learnt, or will another Dr Beeching appear under the guise of efficiency!
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
At Grogley Halt, a 'snack van' has appeared serving drinks etc. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Many thanks Andrew & Diane, I am sure it will keep the walkers and cyclists well-refreshed - a shame that railway passengers can't sample the products (without a bit of a walk first!)
China Clay Trains
Roger Winnen & Jon Hird
66025 passes Par with 6G09, Goonbarrow - Fowey on 24.07.2024. Copyright Roger Winnen.
66025 joins the main line and heads on towards Lostwithiel. 24.07.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.
66244 with 6M53, Parkandillack (Treviscoe) - Cliffe Vale powdered clay pictured east of Respryn on 25.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.