AFAIK the chains were used to tip the wagon body. The wagon was stopped (and presumably scotched or spragged) and the loco pulled the chain, thus tiping the body.

Yes the wagon body was tipped by a chain attached to the ladle as you rightly say. However there are additional short chains behind the bufferbeam seen in this image behind the right hand bufferbeam. This is possibly to anchor the wagon to the track whilst its being tipped? This is on the non-tipping side, I'm not sure if the chain is only fitted to that side or both sides. These little details bug me...

Very impressive build so far (and having designed the original Clarke Kits version of this I have a bit of a vested interest in seeing how this goes together!).

I think there was a chain either side. I was puzzled when I was researching these wagons for the kit as to what they were for. They may have been something to do with scotching the wagons when tipping - the wagon furthest from the loco would be scotched to prevent it moving during tipping operations. Possibly the scotch blocks would be attached to this chain?

I must admit I didn't ever figure out why! But it was clearly visible on photos so I included it in the kit! At least no-one can tell you there's something missing this way!!!

Regards

Alastair

Thanks Alastair.

After discussion with Arthur of this parish I'm fairly certain that the chain is to stop the wagon unbalancing whilst being tipped. It does seem a little short for that purpose though. I do wonder if its a local modification, there are photos of slag ladles without these chains.

Have you any good colour photos of these? Most of the published photos are black and white.

As for the build, it does help that the kit is well designed in the first place! I have a mill roll wagon to do as well but that's for another day.

Paul.

Paul,

That would certainly make sense!! Arthur may even have told me that a few years ago (assuming it's the Arthur I'm thinking of) but you tend to forget these things!

I will have a look for some colour photos. I think that most of what I have are black and white prints of the photos on the link that Robert sent to you, but I will have a rummage in the archives and see if there is anything relevant.

I'm fairly certain I have some colour photos of some small hot metal ladles (also from Stanton Ironworks) which might at least give you some guidance as to colours and weathering.

Thanks for the kind comments on the wagon - I'm just pleased they're available again now via Robert!

I shall be following this with interest

Regards

Alastair