Warwells; suitable loads.

[Mallard60022]

Unable to resist a couple of BR Warwells I have in mind a couple of scenarios as to why they may be passing through Seaton Junction in the late 50s/early 60s. 

1. Equipment to/from Meldon Quarry.

2. Possible M.O.D. items to be unloadload at Okehampton for use on/having completed military exercises nearby at the Ranges or on Dartmoor. (I believe the origin of the loading Dock at Okehampton was for military purposes.

 

There are some farming equipment excuses for loads of course and the 'Wells' could always be returning empty after delivery so that I don't have to have any loads at all!

 

So, for ideas 1 & 2 may I ask for suggestions as I know next to nothing about either equipment used at a large quarry or the type of light MOD vehicle/weapon or similar that could have gone to Okehampton. I'd be happy to have ideas for anything else that anyone might know is a realistic load for the BR SR WOE main line west or east of Seaton Junction, (e.g. The Broad Clyst Sleeper Depot Departmental Shunter going to/coming from Eastleigh).

Many thanks in anticipation.

Phil

Edited November 3, 2017 by Mallard60022

[PaulRhB]

I've got two Charioteer tanks which were a quick solution to the growing Soviet forces, basically an upgunned version of the Cromwell suitable for 50's and just into the 60's from what I can find.

Kits are nice and simple resin and take under an hour to assemble, made by Milicast.

 

Here's what you get.

Edited November 3, 2017 by PaulRhB

[DCB]

I well remember a light tank of the Scorpion/ Scimitar type overtaking my dad's car near Okehampton in the late 60s or early 70s, it was doing around 60 mph so it made quite an impression!

They would usually travel by the troop as a minimum which I guess is 16. I'm sure someone will correct me.  There were two long military sidings at Okehampton which I believe were used by the Surbiton Okehampton car carrier and as a shunt neck for Okehampton station.

[Fat Controller]

I've got two Charioteer tanks which were a quick solution to the growing Soviet forces, basically an upgunned version of the Cromwell suitable for 50's and just into the 60's from what I can find.

Kits are nice and simple resin and take under an hour to assemble, made by Milicast.

 

Here's what you get.

IMG_0993.JPG

One thing you did tend to get being taken to other 'ranges' such as those around Sennibridge and Brecon, were Royal Engineers' plant; this might include excavators/tractor shovels, dump-trucks and other specialist machinery for maintaining the roads and other structures.

[Barry O]

Land rovers with and without trailers,

Saladins and Saracens are OK time wise, as is the Ferret, 

 

not sure about artillery (the last Quads went out of service about 1958),

 

Bedford RLs,(could be used to tow artillery as well as general purpose transport)

 

Scammell recovery vehicles, AEC Militants etc

 

Royal Engineers  used road rollers, dozers etc

 

Note that most British Tanks don't fit in the UK loading gauge, CVR(T) family were mid 1960s as are FV430 series

[Mallard60022]

I well remember a light tank of the Scorpion/ Scimitar type overtaking my dad's car near Okehampton in the late 60s or early 70s, it was doing around 60 mph so it made quite an impression!

They would usually travel by the troop as a minimum which I guess is 16. I'm sure someone will correct me.  There were two long military sidings at Okehampton which I believe were used by the Surbiton Okehampton car carrier and as a shunt neck for Okehampton station.

Thanks David. The Car carrier is all ready and waiting and indeed used those sidings on Saturdays during the summer holiday peak!

If there were any military vehicles brought into Okey then I have no actual photographic record of that but I haven't searched very much yet. Such activity may well have happened overnight anyway. I like the idea of the MOD Plant though; probably more easily created?

Just a bit of fun really to 'justify' the Warwells!

I suspect my Meldon equipment will be much easier to reproduce (e.g. a set of large rolls of conveyor or a dozer for example).

David I hope your dad wasn't too upset by the overtake as I suspect there were few wide roads about at the time? Knowing a few Army Drivers in the past I suspect they were late for their brew.

Thanks

Phil

Edited November 4, 2017 by Mallard60022

[BlackRat]

I be got a redundant Pug on one of mine!

[Mallard60022]

I be got a redundant Pug on one of mine!

I had thought about a small loco but couldn't think of one 'relevant to the scenario' other than a Well Tank (not that small really) and I believe they moved as LEs (e.g. up to Lundin for an Enthusiasts' Special)  or in a goods train (only time I ever saw one and that was at Plymuff [Mutley Cutting]).

Now I shall have to investigate the Industrial/Departmentl loco possibilities (sadly the Meldon G6 or USA Pilots would not be suitable )

Good fun this for a horrible, rainy and dull saturday morning.  

Thanks matey.

Phil 

[crazynitwit]

Unable to resist a couple of BR Warwells I have in mind a couple of scenarios as to why they may be passing through Seaton Junction in the late 50s/early 60s.

1. Equipment to/from Meldon Quarry.

2. Possible M.O.D. items to be unloadload at Okehampton for use on/having completed military exercises nearby at the Ranges or on Dartmoor. (I believe the origin of the loading Dock at Okehampton was for military purposes.

 

There are some farming equipment excuses for loads of course and the 'Wells' could always be returning empty after delivery so that I don't have to have any loads at all!

 

So, for ideas 1 & 2 may I ask for suggestions as I know next to nothing about either equipment used at a large quarry or the type of light MOD vehicle/weapon or similar that could have gone to Okehampton. I'd be happy to have ideas for anything else that anyone might know is a realistic load for the BR SR WOE main line west or east of Seaton Junction, (e.g. The Broad Clyst Sleeper Depot Departmental Shunter going to/coming from Eastleigh).

Many thanks in anticipation.

Phil

You could use 105mm field gun. I know its not much to go on but there were a few variants around in the 50s/60s.

[Stubby47]

How about a NG loco heading for Launceston or Lappa Valley or a miniature UP for Dobwalls ?

 

Or, dare I say, something for Pecoboorammalamadingdong ?

[BlackRat]

 

Not the best picture or model.....but it gives you an Idea......

[asmay2002]

Try Paul Bartlett's site for inspiration

 

http://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/modawarwell

Edited November 4, 2017 by asmay2002

[Fat Controller]

Try Paul Bartlett's site for inspiration

 

http://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/modawarwell

And also this one:- https://www.flickr.com/photos/brianews/albums/72157627008284776

[Mallard60022]

How about a NG loco heading for Launceston or Lappa Valley or a miniature UP for Dobwalls ?

 

Or, dare I say, something for Pecoboorammalamadingdong ?

Did they exist in 1958 -1965ish? That would be fun and I could make up a story that a NGR such as the Bicton Gardens Railway was in existance in the late 50s.

More searching.

By the way, the Whorewheels do not fall off my track, I tried them this morning. I think they look pretty neat.

P

Edited November 4, 2017 by Mallard60022

[CKPR]

You could use 105mm field gun. I know its not much to go on but there were a few variants around in the 50s/60s.

 

The 105mm light gun dates from the mid-1970s but the 5.5" (as in the Airfix kit) was in front-line use until the mid-late 1960s as was the 25 pdr - you could probably justify the latter two well into the 1970s as they remained in use with the TA and for training purposes.

[Fat Controller]

The 105mm light gun dates from the mid-1970s but the 5.5" (as in the Airfix kit) was in front-line use until the mid-late 1960s as was the 25 pdr - you could probably justify the latter two well into the 1970s as they remained in use with the TA and for training purposes.

What replaced the various 'Quads' as a tractor for the 25-pounder?

[crazynitwit]

What replaced the various 'Quads' as a tractor for the 25-pounder?

From what I've seen 'quads' pulled them for the majority, but troop carriers pulled them and there were a few self propelled variants of the 25 pounder.

[CKPR]

What replaced the various 'Quads' as a tractor for the 25-pounder?£

The ubiquitous 3 ton Bedford truck.

[gobbler]

A34 comets should be ok around this time, though I think the A41 Centurion will be too big

Airfix and revel do these kits

 

Good luck and post some pix on what you decide to do

[Mallard60022]

A34 comets should be ok around this time, though I think the A41 Centurion will be too big

Airfix and revel do these kits

 

Good luck and post some pix on what you decide to do

Much appreciated, however if you mean me (theOP) then I doubt there will be anything to see for years so don't hold yer breath.

Phil

[tamperman36]

Scorpions and scimitars are/were usually carried on warflats as they don't need the well to keep them in gauge, warwells usually carry larger vehicles but as has already been said, British MBTs are way over our loading gauge.