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Manrider No. 11

Earlier this year the OKLR’s Manrider, No. 11 underwent some improvements. Built in 2023 from a skip chassis and second-hand wood from Brake Van No. 10, the Manrider has proven a very useful addition to the fleet on permanent way and departmental duties around the railway.

Originally it was built with metal armrests which were screwed into the wooden backrests, however these eventually worked their way loose and a more robust solution was required.

The new armrests were made out of second-hand scaffolding planks and are far stronger than the originals were. During this work the chance to touch up the wood with a fresh coat of Mahogany Brown was taken.

Hudson Flat No. 4132

In May/June 2024 a new Hudson flat wagon was constructed at the OKLR. The need for a new flat wagon to accompany the Manrider on permanent way and departmental duties around the railway was identified earlier in the year. A spare chassis and spare set of wheels were assembled from stores to create the rolling chassis for this new flat wagon.

Keeping with the theme of the Manrider this flat has been constructed from whatever spare wood we had at the time. The deck has been constructed from second-hand scaffolding planks and the remains of the old waiting room bench from Mills Wood. Tool hooks have been fitted at the front end and a toolbox at the rear end.

The wagon has been finished off in a black livery with woodwork painted brown. On each side white vinyl lettering for Hudson Leeds and the wagon’s number, No. 4132 has been applied.

Wagons and Flat No. 4132 can now be seen around the railway performing maintenance tasks when passenger trains are not running.