The enthusiast following for the small railcars produced by the Wickham company who were based in Ware in Hertfordshire comprises a knowledgeable group who have started to document the whereabouts of those which have survived this far. Prompted by their research, our track teams have been assessing the practical need for rail cars and trolleys to assist with the regular permanent way maintenance and rebuild work being undertaken on our rail system. It is often impractical to carry tools to a job or collect spare components by hand.

We are pleased to report that our long time Wickham ‘Lightweight Stretcher Trolley’, works number 8713, delivered new to Stewarts & Lloyds Minerals at their Market Overton Quarry will be retired from track maintenance work and restored as an interesting and unique quarry exhibit featuring removable casualty stretchers.

To replace this trolley we have been able to acquire two former Type 17a cars, Works numbers 7445 and 7587 to run as simple unpowered trailers. The first of these, No.7445 was acquired from The Lavender Line in East Sussex late last year and has now been overhauled, repainted and entered service to assist our Loco Yard rebuild team in February 2013.

The second trailer, No. 7587 has been acquired from a private collector but was resident at Cottesmore from 1980 to 1990 before departing as surplus to requirements. It is hoped that this trailer will enter service later this year after a rebuild.

While unpowered trailers might be useful, we have also been able to address the transport of track gangs around the site by acquisition of Type 17 Wickham No.1519 built in 1934 for the LNER and which is complete and close to its original condition. This machine is currently being restored at Hunsbury Hill but is due to debut at the Museum as part of a special event this Spring.

While the Type 17 may be highly historic, we hope that in due course we will be able to use a later Type 27 car, No. 7514 which is being rebuilt off site at the moment by an enthusiastic volunteer.

To house the small collection we are constructing a small garage in which the cars will be stored and maintained. In typical fashion, the siding for this building will be at 90 degrees to the running line and accessed