Re: S trucks? How old r they? WAS: Re: what is in the 's' truck at 3801 ltd?

[Craig Warton <craigw@wolf.net.au>]

Chris,

There are not actually any 1855 vintage coaches surviving - the ones at the
Power house are actually replicas built during the 1930's on some existing
underframes.
With reference to surviving stock, Dorrigo have at least a roun cornered S
wagon, a 16' SS and a compo D wagon. The RTM have two 2' 3" side D wagons
(medium sided), one still has the original lever brake plus WH gear, while the
other has been fitted with the post 1900 stye of brake wheel. I am certain this
is a departmental mod and the wagon is not in typical service condition. The
former is in reasonably close condition. In addition, the RTM had a 6 wheel
water tank which they disgracefully "restored" to working condition for tour
use. An important historical exhibit was destroyed due to this act of stupidity.
In addition, the RTM have a 6 wheel accident van which has suffered greatly from
their "storage" efforts. They also have two cars from the Ned Kelly movie, which
are actually the only surviving wooden underframe cattle wagons. I live in hope
that they will acquire an appreciation of the historical importance of some of
the stock they have, but I doubt it.

There are several other items down there, one of the best being the wooden
hopper ballast wagon. Dorrigo probably has other items too. Others closer to
Dorrigo my be able to answer.

Regards,

Craig

Chris wrote:

> I assume most of  the "preserved" S trucks sitting and rusting with the
> various rail museum groups are of the latter batch, does any group have
> earlier S trucks and 19 century freight stock in their collections. 1855 era
> passenger stock exists, but does any freight stock exist?
>
> Chris
>