|
When we examined the wagon closely we saw that the boxes holding the springs together were all broken so they have been removed and sent for refurbishment. They have also been found to have a broken leaf in each spring which will have to be replaced. With transport this will cost almost £1200.
|
|
This shows the wagon frames from underneath before we started dismantling. At this point we discovered that for a timber framed wagon it is very unusual in that it does not have a draw bar that runs right through the wagon. There are two large springs in the centre to which the draw bar from each end is attached. The buffers which have very long shafts also use these springs. The draw bar pulling on the springs transfers this thrust to the ends of the springs on the transverse timbers. This means that when in a rake of good vehicles the centre section of the sole bar will be under tension. In wooden framed wagons which usually have a through draw bar all timbers are in compression which is how timber works best.
|
|
With the floor removed you can see the springs more clearly. Dave Smart is removing bolts to release the headstock. |
|
View from the side of the centre springs. These springs are very powerful and a 5 ton jack only just forced them apart so we could remove the draw bar pins and release some of the tension. |
|
Edward Lobjoit examining the headstock once the furniture and most of the bolts had been taken out. We knew the plank above the headstock was rotten and needed replacing but once we removed it we found the headstock was quite rotten and had a large split through the centre. This had caused one of the tie bars that run from end to end of the wagon to break and so we needed to replace the headstock as well. |
 |
The new headstock delivered to Washford by Gerry Leyman and Edward Lobjoit. In Green oak this weights nearly 2 cwt. |
 |
With some of the central timbers removed a better view of the central
springs is available. Nigel Smart can be seen examining the layout. |
|
The old headstock removed. |
|
The tennons on the timbers were found to be in good condition fortunately. |
|
Pete Davis and David Smart using the overhead crane to remove one of the springs. |
