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GWR Crane?

Discussion in 'Heritage Rolling Stock' started by gwernol, Aug 14, 2015.

  1. gwernol

    gwernol New Member

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    I was hoping someone would be able to help me identify the crane in the photo below. The photo was taken in 1949 on a GWR branch line in Wales. There is a platform in front of the crane, so I can't tell if this is a stationary crane or is rail mounted. I am far from an expert on GWR cranes, but this looks like it might be a 6-ton GWR crane similar to this one:

    http://www.gwr813.org/446.htm

    Can anyone confirm or refute this? If it is rail mounted, it clears up several mysteries.

    Thanks for your help,

    Dan

    GWR Crane.jpg
     
  2. John Webb

    John Webb Member

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    Have you a name for the station? Only I have access to a Railway Clearing House book detailing the facilities at every station and goods yard in the country. Can't remember the exact year but I think it was an early BR period edition.
     
  3. gwernol

    gwernol New Member

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    Hi John. It's Aberangell on the Cemmaes Road-Dinas Mawddwy branch (ex-Mawddwy Railway, ex-Cambrian Railways). The photograph is probably April 1949, so just after nationalisation.
     
  4. John Webb

    John Webb Member

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    Noted - it will probably be Monday before I can get to see the book. I'll post something when I've seen it.
    You may find http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/a/aberangell/index.shtml of interest, but there are no photos of the goods yard.
     
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  5. John Webb

    John Webb Member

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    Right, according to the "Railway Clearing House Official Handbook of Railway Stations & etc.", 1938 edition reprinted 1949, Aberangell had a 5 ton crane in its goods yard - so it seems your picture is of a fixed crane, not a rail-mounted one. (The copy of the RCH book is a recent arrival at the St Albans Signal Preservation Trust where I was able to consult it tonight.)
     
  6. gwernol

    gwernol New Member

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    Many thanks John, that's very helpful. I've never seen evidence of a standard gauge siding where that crane sits, so your answer is consistent with that.
     

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