When the line was opened in 2007, the original freight rolling stock comprised of three Brandbright open wagons and a Tenmille Corris brake van. These had all been purchased second hand as made up kits in 1993 and spent the intervening years in my attic. The brake van was soon replaced by a scratch built Schull and Skibbereen version but the three opens continued in service.
Modifications to all three were carried out in 2008 and these included fitting 30mm diameter wheels and Accucraft chopper couplings as well as applying TBLR lettering and numbers.
I have a policy of building and running models of actual Irish narrow gauge rolling stock in order to give the railway an authentic feel. I therefore felt I needed to review the future of these freelance wagons and decide whether they could be modified and continue in service or end up on the scrap heap. Here is a breakdown of the fate of each wagon.
So two of the three open wagons will be retained in service and although they are not totally authentic examples of Irish NG rolling stock I think they convey the right impression. These will be classed as being original TBLR stock.
Modifications to all three were carried out in 2008 and these included fitting 30mm diameter wheels and Accucraft chopper couplings as well as applying TBLR lettering and numbers.
I have a policy of building and running models of actual Irish narrow gauge rolling stock in order to give the railway an authentic feel. I therefore felt I needed to review the future of these freelance wagons and decide whether they could be modified and continue in service or end up on the scrap heap. Here is a breakdown of the fate of each wagon.
- Brandbright ref. GS6 4 plank open wagon - TBLR number 8. This wagon was rebuilt to resemble a Schull and Skibbereen ballast wagon in 2009. The conversion was not a success and I have now withdrawn the wagon from service. The wheels, couplings, axleguards and brake shoe have been salvaged for re-use. The dummy handbrake lever assembly made from plastic strip was thrown away and the body has found use as a lineside ballast bin.
- Brandbright ref. GS15 5 plank open wagon - TBLR number 5. This wagon was rebuilt to resemble a Schull and Skibbereen 10ft. open wagon in 2009. The wagon floor was cut down both in length and width to the correct proportions of the S&S wagon and then re-assembled, extra curved top planks were added to the wagon ends and the side drop doors (non opening) were widened by relocating the hardware to the correct position. A cast metal handbrake assembly from Garden Railway Specialists was also added. The original is a 3 plank wagon and the model has 5 planks but the overall proportions are correct and I think this wagon conveys the impression of its full size counterpart. I have decided to keep this wagon in service. I recently purchased some solebar detailing sets from IP Engineering and after spraying with grey primer I have applied a full set to this wagon. The solebar details differ from the original but a) it's not a true scale model anyway, b) the extra detail looks good and c) it's my railway so I can do what I want!
- Brandbright GS14 3 plank open wagon with removable sides - TBLR number 11. Apart from the addition of a dummy handbrake assembly in 2009, this wagon has not changed since it's original upgrade in 2008. Although it is a freelance design it is a well proportioned wagon and the removable sides are an interesting feature. I have also decided to keep this wagon in service but with the addition of extra detailing and a working handbrake, see part 2 of this post.
So two of the three open wagons will be retained in service and although they are not totally authentic examples of Irish NG rolling stock I think they convey the right impression. These will be classed as being original TBLR stock.
 Number 8 in 2009 |  Number 8 in its new role as a ballast bin, February 2013 |  Number 5 before the addition of the extra detailing. |  Number 5 after the addition of the detailing on the solebars. |
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