Disposal Round-up - Autumn 2008
19 November 2008
96511 being scrapped at Hexthorpe
Here's a quick round-up of some recent disposals.
Unique Plasser piling vehicle, LDRP 96511 was cut at Doncaster Hexthorpe during October by Ron Hull Jr. Hydraulic cranes 81534 and 81536 moved to their scrapyard in Rotherham at the same time.
Over at Booths, the last surviving USP400C ballast regulator 77201 was scrapped during September. The ex-Grampus wagon snowblower, 69001 was moved from Perth during June and cut on arrival. It is thought that 78425 was cut at Perth at the same time, but this needs confirmation.
On a smaller scale, two Permaquip HCTs have also been scrapped. HCT011 was cut at LH Group Service's premises at Barton under Needwood over the summer, and HCT039 was also scrapped over the summer at Rutherglen after being damaged in a fire.
Meanwhile HCT002 has been discovered at a mechanics' near Stourbridge in the West Midlands. It is thought the owner also bought HCT027 from BB at Sandiacre at the same time before sending it for scrap at a later date. Any more news or confirmation welcome.
Finally, some LWRT wagons were cut during August too - 89000 & 89002 at Tees Up Yard, and 89001/10-15/105/6/8/14 at York WRD.
Comments
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Barry John Cooper
20 November 2008, 10:35
When you see unique vehicles cut up it makes you wonder if there is anyone in the preservation scene interested in the wider aspects of railway operation. But then track machines don't put bums on seats
Vince /// ontrackplant.com
20 November 2008, 11:21
You're right Barry. We started the On-Track Plant Preservation Group with the intention of saving rare machines. Unfortunately money is finite, and machines get scrapped without visibly being offered for preservation so it's a losing battle :(
Ben Williams
20 November 2008, 11:32
Indeed money is a major issue (for us) but also finding space for such machines on a preserved line too - most won't even entertain the idea. There is also the issue (covered here before when this topic arises) about day-to-day maintenance of these technical pieces of kit - they can't be kept sitting in a siding for long periods of time without regular technical expertise.
96511 was unique but almost certainly of no use to a preserved line. There is a case for more to be preserved under the NRM but again this doesn't appear to be a priority. One of their existing tampers has been sat outside rotting for the last 10 years at least. If anyone from the NRM is out there and wants to put their side of the argument I'd like to hear it! I think a few well-preserved pieces of railway equipment from years gone by would make an interesting public exhibition.
Dave Shell
20 November 2008, 14:02
The lads at Shildon / NRM Locomotion seem to be a bit better with the OTP items having a small section.
Ben Williams
20 November 2008, 14:08
True - not sure why 73010 didnt go with them too really though - presumably a space issue...