These diminutive trolleys were built by Wickham of Ware, the first of this particular type rolling out of the factory in 1948 for Nigerian Railways in Appa. In 1949 British Rail (Western Region) received their first Type 27A trolleys fitted with humble Ford 10hp engines.
A large percentage of trolleys started off their British Railways life for BR Western Region, but over time were repainted. Sometimes they were re-numbered and were still working the entire British Railway network right up to the mid 1990s. A large number also entered preservation, and there is now a thriving rail trolley restoration scene headed up by the Rail Trolley Trust who are dedicated to saving and restoring as many variations as possible of this small rail vehicle, amongst others.
As well as British Rail, a number of private companies also purchased trolleys as did the British Ministry of Supply, and also the Royal Engineers. These trolleys eventually found their way onto the British Railways network as well. Many Type 27 trolleys were also shipped overseas, Hellenic State Railways ordering a very large number with many going to Africa and further afield.
Able to carry a crew of eight including the driver, and also tow a couple of small wagons, these trolleys became a very useful addition to many railways, being cheaper to run than most other permanent way vehicles. A useful feature of these trolleys was the ability to be manually lifted and turned on the track by means of a small portable turntable which they carried with them. They were often found 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 very easy to get spare parts for and to repair. They did however provide some hairy moments as they were only fitted with a handbrake that pressed wooden blocks onto the wheels and in wet weather this was often not highly effective. Trolleys were supplied with the option to have canvas side curtains but as these were fastened from the outside it was rare to have them down whilst in use.
Many trolleys were in time altered and changed, some even being converted to fully enclosed, or fitted out with plant support tools such as generators.
These diminutive trolleys were built by Wickham of Ware, the first of this particular type rolling out of the factory in 1948 for Nigerian Railways in Appa. In 1949 British Rail (Western Region) received their first Type 27A trolleys fitted with humble Ford 10hp engines.
A large percentage of trolleys started off their British Railways life for BR Western Region, but over time were repainted. Sometimes they were re-numbered and were still working the entire British Railway network right up to the mid 1990s. A large number also entered preservation, and there is now a thriving rail trolley restoration scene headed up by the Rail Trolley Trust who are dedicated to saving and restoring as many variations as possible of this small rail vehicle, amongst others.
As well as British Rail, a number of private companies also purchased trolleys as did the British Ministry of Supply, and also the Royal Engineers. These trolleys eventually found their way onto the British Railways network as well. Many Type 27 trolleys were also shipped overseas, Hellenic State Railways ordering a very large number with many going to Africa and further afield.
Able to carry a crew of eight including the driver, and also tow a couple of small wagons, these trolleys became a very useful addition to many railways, being cheaper to run than most other permanent way vehicles. A useful feature of these trolleys was the ability to be manually lifted and turned on the track by means of a small portable turntable which they carried with them. They were often found 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 very easy to get spare parts for and to repair. They did however provide some hairy moments as they were only fitted with a handbrake that pressed wooden blocks onto the wheels and in wet weather this was often not highly effective. Trolleys were supplied with the option to have canvas side curtains but as these were fastened from the outside it was rare to have them down whilst in use.
Many trolleys were in time altered and changed, some even being converted to fully enclosed, or fitted out with plant support tools such as generators.
