Cleats on capping strips (on opens)

[Miss Prism]

Although tending not to be visible on most pics, capping strips (3/8") seem to be the norm on GWR opens. But when did cleats begin to appear? Or are they are preservation thing?

 

[Adam]

By cleats you mean the clips securing the capping strips? Certainly a BR-era thing and perhaps earlier (maybe the '40s?). See:

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/blue-diesels/48041826913/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/blue-diesels/46077619835/in/album-72157604138184474/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/blue-diesels/47126209942/in/album-72157604138184474/

 

For examples of wagons from the other three of the big four.  Not sure why, perhaps there was wariness at splitting the planks of the poorer quality timber available for sheeting from the Second World War? Perhaps simply a change of practice?

 

Adam

[Compound2632]

Capping strips of 3/8" iron or steel were absolutely standard on open wagons of all descriptions from all builders since about the year dot - the top plank would not have lasted long without. They're certainly included in the RCH 1887 specification drawings. Usually, 1/4" narrower than the planks - i.e. 2 1/4" wide. The GA drawings I've looked at aren't very specific on the fixings but it looks as if they are held in place by screws into the top plank. Some older designs of wagon had a long bolt passing vertically through the planks mid-way between side and end knees, these also held the capping strip in place with a quite prominent rounded bolt head. Presumably the cleat is more robust than a screw, though it doesn't keep the capping tight to the plank, as the photos show.

 

Not relevant to Great Western wagons, but where ironwork was painted black (many PO wagons), the capping strip would be black so the top of the sides and ends of a model wagon should be painted black not body colour. I'm not sure all mine conform to that!

Edited June 14, 2019 by Compound2632

[Mike G]

If you really want to go that far on your wagon detailing then Craig Welsh (late of this list) did a full sprung chassis for PO wagons which in included both the cleat and the capping. They are fiddly, I know, I made up 22 of the blighters! I'm sure these are still available through the Scale4 stores.

 

Mike

[Miss Prism]

Little bits of 5 thou plasticard are fine for me.