Windcutter Wagons

Incidentally I have B279707 down as probably either a 1977 or 1979 rebody (though I think that is based on a combination of assumptions about other wagons, and some elimination and conjecture, so it might be wrong), and, perhaps unusually, the replacement body is the same way around as the original. Sold to Rover on 2/7/87 and preserved from there in 10/92.

It is most probably one of B572456 (reb.1979) or B582278 (reb.1977).
But if I have my assumptions wrong, other candidates are B565903, B570469 (maybe), and B580755 (all three reb.1978).
Four of these five went to the GCR although one was subsequently scrapped in exchange for a better wagon; the remaining three are this one, B279717 (reb.1978, body reversed) and B279718 (reb.1978 (probably), body not reversed). (The scrapped wagon B279715 was also noted as a 1978 rebuild.)

Perhaps we could get lucky here and that 1990s coat of black may have sealed in the remains of the original number? It would be worth going gently through the paint layers with wet & dry paper to see if any traces of it remain below the black layer.

 

Hi pmh
We are working carefully but no sign of an original number yet. We are still working on the underframe sections needing repair and doing some other bits and bobs before the main floor sheets go in.

 

Work has continued with four floor sheets installed and stanchion repairs completed. The underframe has been prepped and mostly painted together with the headstocks. The first of the side sheet repairs has started.

 

Wednesday morning saw our last work session in 2025 and the five of us got quite a lot done. The NE side panel was fitted and largely welded in place. The NW side had the welding finished on the bulge reduction slits. The Underframe on the West side was prepped and mostly painted. The SE side panel was cut out ready for the new sheet. This wagon should be completed in January. In the yard there are three or four wagons ready to go to Swithland and strengthen the rake, ready for the Winter Gala and 9F - 92134 haulage!
This year has seen three full overhauls with new floors etc, one repaint, two brake cylinder overhauls plus the routine pad exams and brake rigging attentions. 13 wagons have been through Rothley. We also dismantled and disposed of the Steam Heat Van. This has been a great job by the team.


We then retired to Ellis's where we enjoyed our Christmas lunch in suitably festive fashion.
Merry Christmas to All of you reading this - and wishing you a Happy New Year
The Windcutter Team