Ellis Clark Trains O Gauge Wickham Trolley & Trailer

Built by Wickham of Ware, the diminutive Type 27A trolleys first rolled out of the company’s Hertfordshire factory in 1948. Fitted with humble Ford 10hp engines, an initial batch was exported to Nigeria before deliveries commenced to British Rail (Western Region) the following year.

Over time the trolleys were repainted (with some also renumbered), and many were active until the 1990s, having spread across the British Rail network. A large number were preserved, and a thriving trolley restoration scene is headed up by the Rail Trolley Trust, who are dedicated to saving and restoring as many variants as possible.

The British Ministry of Supply, the Royal Engineers and a number of private companies purchased Wickham trolleys, with most of these eventually finding their way onto BR. Type 27 trolleys were also shipped overseas, with the Hellenic State Railways of Greece joining Nigeria and other African countries as customers.

Able to carry a crew of eight (including the driver) as well as to tow a couple of small wagons, the trolleys were rugged, versatile and cheaper to run than most other Permanent Way vehicles. A useful feature was their ability to be manually lifted and turned on the track by means of a small portable turntable that they carried with them. They were often housed in small sheds next to the track or parked up in sidings.

Fitted with (mostly Ford) car engines, a gearbox and a reverser, they were simple to maintain and repair, with spare parts readily available. They did, however, provide some hairy moments for their occupants as their sole means of braking was a handbrake that pressed wooden blocks onto the wheels – not ideal for wet weather!

Trolleys could be fitted with canvas side curtains for protection from the elements – but as these were fastened from the outside, it was rare to have them down while the trolley was in use.

Many trolleys were modified as time went on, with some fully enclosed or fitted out with plant support tools such as generators.