GWR Steam Railmotor and Trailer Project

Getting Involved

If you want to help this project we are always looking for assistance both practically and financially.

We are committed to providing as much public access as possible to this project as it develops, though this is not always possible due to health and safety issues around operating workshops and to much of the work being undertaken on private sites. However we will ensure that items are displayed as fully as possible, and that where general public access is not practical, open days will often be arranged where possible. Developments will be fully reported, both on this website and through the Great Western Society Newsletter.

Where to see the Railmotor Project developing

Currently:

Both vehicles, Railmotor 93 and Auto Trailer 92, are at the Llangollen Railway for restoration to begin. They are not in an area where general public access is permitted and so cannot normally be viewed. However specific open days are being organised, at which progress can be viewed, and details of these events will be posted here.

The Power Bogie and Boiler, are now on display in the Engine Shed at Didcot for summer 2008. The assembly will be left on public display during the summer season when it can be viewed at any time the site is open. This, of course, will be the only opportunity for you to see the boiler and bogie ‘in the raw’ before it is encased in the coach body, so don’t hesitate to come and have a look at this unique sight.

See Didcot Railway Centre for details of Centre opening days and times.

Most Recent Open Days

The frames in the workshops
Visitors discuss recent restoration of the frames in the area where the power bogie will eventually fit
Robert Heron - 19-Apr-2008

Llangollen - Saturday 19th April 2008

Work in progress on the Project was available for inspection during a public open day to coincide with Llangollen Railway’s Spring Gala. The underframe and bogies were on display in the goods yard and workshops at Llangollen station, and the body was available for inspection in the carriage workshop at Pentrefelin. GWR locomotive 6430 with an autotrailer ran shuttles between the two locations.

The GWS staff stewarding the 'exhibit' were kept very busy answering questions ranging from the general 'what's this then ?' to the highly technical. Plenty of leaflets were handed out, so we hope to attract more supporters to the project.

Dennis Howells Explains
Project engineer Dennis Howells explains to GWS members how the boiler was constructed - 29-Apr-2008

Didcot - Tuesday 29th April and Saturday 3rd May 2008

The Power Bogie and Boiler, are now on display in the Engine Shed at Didcot for summer 2008. Open days were held for supporters on 29th April and for Great Western Society members on 3 May 2008 when the Project Team were on hand to answer questions and explain details.

Illustrated Lecture

A Railmotor Slide Lecture can be booked by local railway clubs and other interested groups. This features design, operation and eventual withdrawal of the railmotors, acquisition of no. 92 by the Great Western Society, and the railmotor restoration programme. It also includes a brief history of the Society's activities at Didcot including its other major projects. There is no charge but donations are invited towards project funds.

Speakers based in Buckinghamshire, Bristol and Stratford-upon-Avon are currently available.

Contact: Mike Timms, 14 The Ridings, Iver Bucks SL0 9DU, or via the office at Didcot Railway Centre. E-Mail: Didcot Railway Centre

How you can contribute

We are always happy to receive offers of help:

Financial help is welcomed using the donation form .

Offers of practical help with design, manufacture, or any of the other myriad requirements of this exciting project should be made, in the first instance, via Didcot Railway Centre.

Home Page | Latest News | News Archive 2007 | News Archive 2006 | Why Railmotors ? | Railmotor 93 | Trailer 92 | Some Historical Details | Fascinating Features | The New Power Bogie | Restoring The Vehicles | Railmotor Shed | Getting Involved
Probably the most historically-important project in railway preservation today
The Steam Railmotor Project
Great Western Society Limited
Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot
Oxon OX11 7NJ
Registered Charity No. 272616