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This page lists some examples of the more extensive projects we have carried out, please scroll down to examine the information and pictures. At present, the listing is in a random order, with the majority of the smaller projects in the lower half of the page. | |
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| These image gallery links are to albums on Ipernity. | Please, go to and explore our Images on Ipernity . |
| North Staffordshire Rolling Stock Restoration Trust | |
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| NSR 23 - Brake Third | Image Gallery - NSR 23 |
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A suitable brake vehicle has always been needed for the Knotty Heritage Train, various ideas had been proposed even before NSR 127 & 61 entered service in August 2014. Initially, the trust were proposing a replica 1870s 4-wheeler. However, one of the coaches re-discovered at Rudyard Lake in 2014 was found to be the very derelict remains of a Brake Third. The excavated remains were enough to inform the design, suitably updated to include wheelchair access. As part of the fundraising process, a display section incorporating the guard's lookout (ducket) was recreated. After much effort, sufficient funding from grants (with particuar thanks to HLF & Garfield Weston) and other sources, including the Worsley Family, has been obtained. We have been commissioned to build the bodywork for this vehicle whilst the trust converted a 20Ton ballast brake to provide the underframe etc. The recreation entered service in May 2019. |
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| NSR 127 - The Manifold Coach | |
| After suitable grant funding had been agreed - from the "Staffordshire Environmental Fund" - the NSR Rolling Stock Restoration Trust has awarded us the contract to fully restore the bodywork of ex-NSR 127 (the "Manifold" coach) for operation on the Foxfield Railway as part of their "Knotty Coaches Appeal". 2014 saw the restored coach in operation, together with NSR 61. (initially under restoration at Blythe Bridge by NSRRSRT volunteers, but came to Haltwhistle in August 2013). | |
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| NSR 61 - The Tutfield Coach | Image Gallery - NSR 61 |
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The North Staffordshire Railway Rolling Stock Restoration Trust (NSRRSRT) has awarded us the contract to complete the work on NSR 61, as they have obtained additional funding through a PRISM grant. August 2014 saw the restored coach, together with NSR 127, in operation on the Foxfield Railway, as part of their Heritage / Vintage Train, which has been funded by their "Knotty Coaches Appeal" as well as grants. | |
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image of the finished NSR61 |
| Ravenglass Museum | image gallery - Ravenglass Museum |
| start with this | final result |
| We were commissioned to create a replica - incorporating as much of the original material as possible - of the 1877 "Big Saloon" from the 3ft gauge era of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, to be displayed in the extended museum. As a starting point, there were a few images of the exterior and some sections of the carriage did exist ... we even found some original paint whilst stabilising the few original parts, to include in the "walk through" exhibit we built. | |
| NER 2853 | image gallery - NER 2853 |
| A private owner has commissioned us to work on the initial stages in the restoration of this carriage. Built in 1901/2 it saw service in the North East before it was transfered to East Anglia in the 1920s, sold off and converted to a home in the late 1940s. It was repatriated in late 2013. Once the project is finally completed, the log term plan for the carriage is for it to be used on the Tanfield Railway. The Coach was delivered to us during February 2015 and the work was completed during September and October 2017. It officially enters service at the Tanfield Railway in August 2018, as the A15 (the NCB's Ashington Colliery). | awaiting image |
| Peterhead Quarry Railway | Image Gallery - Peterhead Quarry Railway |
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image of the finished convict van |
| In 1886 the Admiralty commenced building the Harbour of Refuge at Peterhead, it was decided to quarry granite at Stirling Hill, using the labour of convicts who were housed in the prison built for the purpose. The only state owned railway - at the time - was built to convey prisoners and stone. The sole surviving convict van (one of four built in 1915) is to be restored as part of the "Rocks, Rogues, Rails and Refuge" project to explore this aspect of social and transport heritage. Once completed the van, and associated displays, will become part of the Maud Railway Museum, in Aberdeenshire. The van was displayed at Beamish Museum before returning to Maud and an unveiling ceremony in September 2016. | |
| Miller Fifer | |
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Long term restoration of a classic Fife built motor sailing craft. The hull is basically sound, however there has been considerable rebuilding of the topsides; including a new cabin roof, and extensive refurbishment of the largely mahogany interior. The wheelhouse has been redesigned to accommodate modern electronic equipment. Although this boat was built in the mid 1960s to a traditional design, the current refit gives the impression of being an older vessel, and a much loved one. Taking advantage of a convenient window of calm weather, "EMOYENI" was relaunched into the harbour at Whitehaven Marina, just in time for the Winter Solstice on 21st December 2015. | |
| Sentinel DG8 Steam Waggon | |
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We have been commissioned, by a private owner, to build the timber parts of the cab for an early model steam waggon (pre 1930s) as part of a longer term restoration project. We have also painted the apron - the metal front - and after the apron, cab and roof have been assembled, it was professionally sign-written. Some additional items, including the water tank, have also been painted. The owner has built the 3-way tipper back and intends to make it operational befor 2016. |
| Aveling & Porter Awning | Image Gallery - A&P Awning |
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We have been asked by the custodian of Aveling & Porter '3315' to replicate this Roller's Awning. As the existing one was a trifle past it's best, a new one was needed to accompany the current restoration project. This image is of a similar Roller at a recent Show. |
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The engine was built by Aveling & Porter of Rochester in 1894 and was new to James Young & Sons of Edinburgh, and sold around 1909 to William Wear of Hexham. In 1919, Wear's sold it to Northumberland County Council who used it until 1959. Bought in 1961 for the Industrial Collection of the Bowes Museum (later to become the North of England Open Air Museum), it was stored in Durham until 1975 when moved to Beamish and it was displayed outside until June 2003 when it was moved, initially to West Yorkshire and then back to County Durham. After 8 years of fundraising and restoration, 3315 steamed again in February 2011, and is hopefully the restoration will be completed later this year. | |
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Saltburn Cliff Lift |
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We were commissioned to restore the passenger cars from the oldest (built 1884) water balance cliff lift in the Great Britain, during their winter closedown. The lift was re-opened for public service on Friday 22nd April 2011, after both the cars had been overhauled and then 'victorianised'. Despite one car being almost totally rebuilt, and some very unco-operative winter weather, the project was finished on time and within budget. |
| Fowler Traction Engine | Image Gallery - Fowler Engine |
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We were commissioned to produce the timber components for the canopy of a Fowler Traction Engine currently under restoration (By July 2010 most of the work has been completed on the Fowler, leaving only minor running in adjustments outstanding). This type of engine has a fairly tightly curved section between the barge boards and the main canopy. |
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Beamish Open Air Museum | |
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We were asked to survey a number of proposed jobs, to clarify the costs and work that might be required in order that necessary funds can be raised. Amongst other things we have looked at the NER "Birdcage" Brakevan, Sheffield 264 and a handbarrow! A further visit, when it was NOT raining, was needed in order to look over the items that were outside, including the NER "Fireflat". More recently, we have surveyed two horse drawn vehicles, a bread van and the chip van, both of which have been restored at Haltwhisle during 2010. The next major project carried out for Beamish Museum was the restoration - for occasional operational duties on the waggonway - of Stockton & Darlington 179 (aka the Forcett Coach), this was delivered April 2013. We have done some minor body- and paint- work maintenance on the Sunderland 16 tram, whilst the mechanical and electrical servicing is underway. She should be back in service in July 2009. Subsequently, we have been tasked with some bodywork repairs to Blackpool 31 (March 2010). Another couple of small projects have been the production of a replica water pump housing. A tool box for the "Coffee Pot" has been built, followed by a second one for No.17. | |
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Image Gallery - Beamish Museum (general) Image Gallery - Beamish Museum (Trams) and |
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Stockton & Darlington 179 |
Image Gallery - Forcett Coach - S&D 179 |
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We have been commissioned to restore S&D179 by Beamish Museum for operational duties on the Pockerley Waggonway. As with Puffing Billy, both in 1860's appearance, it is a little late for date, but it will be a real object for visitors to travel in. 179 was built by the S&DR in the mid 1860s as part of the 'Market Day' rake. These were a sort of '4th class' coach (robust but basic) to keep the farmers and their produce - including livestock - out of the normal third class rolling stock. In 1884 it was sold to the Forcett Quarry, who made modifications such as adding the handbrake. After spending various periods in storage it underwent a restoration, in time for the S&DR 150th celebrations in 1975. Then it went to Beamish for a few years, then back to Shildon, and the NRM in 2004 placed it at Locomotion, now the wheel has turned again... |
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The project was to rebuild this coke-fired horse-drawn chip van, which was last used in the early 1970s. It was the subject of at least one painting by Norman Cornish. The first task was archeological, as it was virtually exactly as it had finished working in about 1971. Next we removed the roof, clearly not the original, then dismantled the body and interior, to reveal the badly broken underframe: this was replaced, and the body then re-built, after which it was painted. The van was returned to Beamish, after a short period back in storage, it was taken (drawn by "Bonnie") to the lean-to at the coal-fired chip shop [Davy's was opened in Summer 2011] - As part of a TV documentary the Chip Van (and Bonnie) visited Spennymoor. |
We have been tasked with refurbishing this horse drawn bread van. We have had to do some repairs, mainly to the underframe, before carrying out a full repaint. We also repaired the shafts. The Van was returned in time for the "Power from the Past" event in 2010. During 2011 and 2012 the Bread Van had been doing a brisk trade selling refreshments, sited at Pockerley Manor. It has been sign-written as belonging to Baker and Confectioner Joesph Herron and No.1 in the fleet. |
| Bowes Railway | Please note: "waggon" is the local term for a working (load-carrying) vehicle. |
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This project was to rebuild several waggons that had been damaged by mindless vandalism, including arson attacks. We were tasked with two waggons, B1 (Kibblesworth Drift Bogie) and B-49 (Grey Waggon). In both cases, the underframes were constructed from Green Oak, and the bodywork used Douglas Fir, then well painted. All the metal work was cleaned by shot blasting, immediately primed, then undercoated and gloss painted. The final job was to apply suitable signwriting, and then send them home to Springwell. In 2016 the Bowes Railway suffered another arson attack, this time the victim was "Ordinary" 971. The waggon came to Haltwhistle in February 2017 and went home at the end of March 2018. | |
| Image Gallery - B-49 Grey Waggon | |
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The Kibblesworth Drift Bogie is unique, being a gravity powered shunting engine, and was displayed by the NRM, York at Railfest 2012. |
B-49 is one of a group of modified "ordinaries" known as "half-highs". From the curved ironwork it is from a batch built for P&JR by Watts Hardy. |
| BOWES "Ordinary" 971 | image gallery - Bowes 971 |
| Bowes "Ordinary" 971 : this 10 ton coal hopper waggon was badly damaged in an arson attack during July 2016. It arrived at Haltwhistle in February 2017, placed into the small workshop and allowed to dry out for a period of time. It was then recorded (to allow materials to be ordered) and dismantled, the ironwork was shotblasted and then painted, a new green oak underframe was dry built. The next stages will be painting, then dry building the bodywork and internal hopper, prior to final assembly, painting and sign-writing. The waggon went back to Bowes at the end of March 2018. | awaiting image |
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The National Railway Museum, at Shildon |
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Replacement Buffer Beams (head stocks) for Locomotion at Shildon (part of the National Railway Museum), the first set for fitting to a vehicle under restoration for passenger carrying duties, and the second set was for the NER Electric Locomotive BoBo No.1. The most recent task has been the production of a replacement footplate for the "Sans Pareil" Replica. |
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| William Riley | Image Gallery - William Riley |
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William Riley is a historic rowing lifeboat built in 1909, and based in and around Whitby. Her greatest claim to fame is that she was lowered down the cliff near Whitby Abbey in an attempt to reach the wreck of the hospital ship Rohilla in 1914. We had already done some restoration work on the boat including floor joists, scupper box and machining of timber for the restoration team, and she came to Haltwhistle to have a new deck, bulkheads and thwarts (seats) fitted. After this work was completed, additional items, such as the coxswain's platform and the rudder, were built in Haltwhistle and installed in Whitby. | |
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| This restored lifeboat has paid a short vist to allow for some maintenance to the hull paintwork, before a series of summer engagements both in Whitby and further afield. Update - and the Varnish has been refreshed, before an important visit to Poole (2009). Another visit was made during the Spring of 2010 for the Whalebacks to be repainted, and a number of other tasks were carried out as well. Spring 2013 has seen another (short term) re-varnish, further maintenance work will be required to the deck and the hull in the near future. |  |
| William Riley is often used for fundraising, mainly for the RNLI, all around the country. | William Riley - out and about |
| WHHR - Number 25 | Image Gallery - Number 25 |
| This vehicle was one of a pair (Nos. 9 & 10) built in 1893 by The Ashbury Railway Carriage & Iron Co. for the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways (and later transfered to the Welsh Highland Railway). WHHR Number 25 has been built to replicate the original all third class version, and will have a nominal 36 or 38 seats, depending on how you count the full width benches at either end. At our open day, we were told, firmly, by a four year old girl, that the carriage's name is "Chloe", as "Annie and Clarabelle are brown", (with apologies to Rev Awdrey!) The carriage was delivered to Wales on 15 April 2009, and was scheduled to appear at their gala at the start of May. However, it still requires some mechanical work to the bogies and brakes and is due to enter service after these, and other minor details have been finished (and further delayed until summer 2010). | |
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| WHHR - Buffet Car | Image Gallery - Buffet Car |
| This vehicle was one of a pair (Nos. 9 & 10) built in 1893 by The Ashbury Railway Carriage & Iron Co. for the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways (later the Welsh Highland Railway). The carriage had seen hard times, being converted by the Welsh Highland Railway into a third and first class buffet car, and being cut down rather harshly to meet the restricted Ffestiniog Railway loading gauge, then after being sold out of service it was cut in two to be used as a summer house. The original timbers have been restored and reused wherever their condition was good enough. The project also included supplying a large number of components in kit form for assembly at Gelerts Farm, including all the external matchboards, all the parts for the third class seating, all the turned legs, and the internal door. | |
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| Gelert's Farm Museum | We tendered for building various interactive items and models. |
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NWNGR Pickering Brake
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We tendered for this project in 2019, having been first involved over a decade ago. but for some strange 'political' reason we were unsuccessful |
| Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway | |
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As part of an extensive project to upgrade and refurbish the first class passenger accommodation on their trains, the Ffestiniog Railway commissioned the construction of low back seat frames for the observation sections, and then a set of Pullman armchair replicas were ordered, for the saloon sections. They were supplied ready to be upholstered by another specialist contractor. As both designs are easily moved between vehicles, their location may change. | |
| Image Gallery - Pullman Armchairs | Image Gallery - Observation Carr Chairs |
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Replica Pullman armchairs, as installed, in the new Observation carriage "Glaslyn" on the Welsh Highland Railway. |
Low back chairs in one of the refurbished first class Observation carriages, some others are in "Glaslyn" on the Welsh Highland Railway. |
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Further examples of past projects, restorations and bespoke commissions. Some small, others not! | |
| Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway | Image Gallery - Ravenglass |
| The task given was to build, and install, a replica three seater Pullman settee, for one of the Pullman Holiday Coaches at Ravenglass. The challenge had been too great for others, but not for us. Reports are that the result is "brilliant !!" and "well worth waiting for" and hopefully another project may well follow on later. | |
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| Replica finials for Alston Signal Box on the South Tyndale Railway. | Image Gallery - South Tynedale Railway |
| Honours Boards. | Image Gallery - Small Work Projects |
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Design, construction and installation of large honours boards for a 300+ year old Tyne Valley School. An additional board has been supplied as a new award had been established recently. During 2016/17 these boards were relocated during a major rebuilding project. |
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| St Mary's Blyth | Image Gallery - Altar |
| A commission to refurbish the High Altar, and incorporate an area to display the Nativity and Easter Garden. | awaiting image |
| Murton War Memorials | |
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Murton Heritage Society asked us to refurbish two war memorials before they are installed into The Glebe Centre. The first one is a splendidly massive oak construction, decorated with carvings, from The Victoria Workmens Club, which apart from serious cleaning and refinishing has required some rminor epairs. The second is a set of vellum Honour Scrolls from The Murton Mining Institute. These are being remounted into new cases. |
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Seaham Callout Boards |
Image Gallery - Callout Boards |
| East Durham Heritage Group have been restoring the Seaham lifeboat "George Elmy" and are converting the older lifeboat house into a museum, we have been commissioned to replicate the callout (shout) boards which will be displayed alongside ON873. These will include one to commemorate the crews of the "George Elmy" and "Economy" lost when the lifeboat capsized in November 1962. Subsequently, we also produced another board listing the Coxswains for Seaham's Lifeboats. |  |
| Various items; furniture, patterns, headboards and the like - mainly single images. | Image Gallery - Small Work Projects |
| 3-way multi-mode table commissioned by a director of an interior design company. | Image Gallery - Designer Table |
| We also produced a number of items for a buildings restoration project - which incorporates a bastle - in the North Pennines AONB, which was filmed as a TV documentary. | Image Gallery - Hope Head |
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Gavels |
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A small number of gavels have been made to special order. The one illustrated is for a Heritage Society, the shapes are all derived from locomotives parts, and the materials were all salvaged from vehicles which had originated at five different railways. |
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| Another building project in a National Park has been supplied with two sets of large doors, including heavy duty hinges and other ironwork which has been hand-made by a local blacksmith. | Image Gallery - Small Work Projects |
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Old Oak Doors |
Image Gallery - Oak Doors |
| We had been commissioned to repair a pair of internal oak doors, damaged during a recent break-in. The building dates from the 13th century, and was sympathetically restored in 1870. It is grade 1 listed and is a fine example of the Early English style. | awaiting image |
| Holy Cross Church | Image Gallery - Holy Cross Church |
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The Sanctury Lamp had been converted from electricity to candle power, and we fitted a rise and fall system to enable lighting and replacement of the candle. We also carried out a little repair to a cibarium - slightly reshaping the edge / lip of the cover to ensure a better fit. We also hlped with some water staining on the pews after some dreadful weather. |
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| Willowford Farm have been supplied with a set of roof sticks for a replica "Shepherd's Hut", intended as a snack bar - for walker's following the "Hadrian's Wall Trail" | |
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A substantial Display Case was built to house a very large (and heavy) model of "James Spooner" a double Fairlie locomotive on a short piece of track. This is now on exhibition in the cafe at Tan y Bwlch Station. |
Image Gallery - Display Case. |
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A very large mid-late Victorian Studio Plate Camera, built by Urman's Of Newcastle has been restored by the current owner, after spending many decades collecting dust in an attic. Unfortunately, the holder for the ground glass focussing screen, and the dark slide were missing. These are to be replicated, currently "on hold" due to other commitments and sourcing specialised materials. |
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| COPYRIGHT - SRR / SjS - 2006 / 2019 | |
![NSR 127 (4 wheel) in Foxfield Wood (2003) [NSRRSRT]](photos/NSR 127.jpg)
