No 190 - Collett Auto Trailer

Auto-trailer 190 was purchased in 1970 along with 92 and 212 (now restored to original condition as Steam Railmotor No.93). Its restoration started as early as 1971 but completion was going to be a long haul. The final result not rolling out of the C & W workshops until 1996. It is typical of the auto-trailers built in the thirties for the mass of branch lines that the GWR owned. Originally being hauled by the '517' class 0-4-2T locomotives and later by 48xx/14xx 0-4-2T (the so called Auto-tanks), the 64xx 0-6-0PT locos and lastly BR added Auto gear to the 45xx and 4575 classes.

The interior (gutted prior to entering Departmental Service) has been completely re-created, using in part recycled oak, working mainly from photographic evidence. Some of the structural framing was made with timber from Wroughton Church when the structure of the bell tower was replaced with steel.  The chair legs were made from off-cuts from the church oak and the rest of the interior furniture from new wood. The upholstery is a replica of the GWR 1937 pattern.

Status

Operational

Build date

1933

Built at

Swindon

Original railway

GWR

Lot Number

1480

Diag No

A.30

Length

62’ 8”

Date Preserved

1970

« Back To Historic Vehicles