One freight train we recreate on New Mills is the block working of 27ton BR tippler wagons conveying chalk rock from the rail-connected Tottenhoe Lime, Stone and Cement Comany quarry close to the former LNWR Leighton Buzzard - Dunstable branch.
Normally chalk was processed within the quarries in southern England but these loads were destined for a thirsty cement works in the Midlands. The branch line closed completely in April 1965 but throughout the BR period full wagons were moved first to Leighton Buzzard yard and then marshalled into block sets for the journey north up the WCML. In later years Bletchley 8Fs seemed the favoured motive power.
There is sketchy evidence that these tipplers were actually rebranded with the legend 'Chalk Tippler' so any information would be welcome. Our Bachmann vehicles have been suitably weathered but now require further treatment that alludes to their unusual loads!
Hi Francis, apologies for digging out an old post but the wagons in the chalk pool were quite definitely branded as such. A very clear shot here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/64518788@N05/8002313594/in/set-72157631546886382
...good for weathering:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64518788@N05/7942058504/in/set-72157631546886382
...and a mixed formation here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64518788@N05/7984814058/in/set-72157631546886382
In fact the whole gallery will probably interest you. HTH anyway :-)