Dumb buffered wagons
 

Hi,

I'm working on some 5 plank dumb buffered wagons. I've a photo that shows two such wagons from circa 1890. The sides in view do not have any brakes fitted. Would these type of wagons from this period have the brake or brakes on the other side?

Also they don't have any diagonal bracing on the outside but they do on the inside. Plus they do not have the side opening door. As such I would assume they have an end door?

The photo states they were probably constructed by Harrison and Camm.

Any help appreciated.

Alex

Most early wagons only had brake handles on one side.
After many accidents(some fatal) to shunters pressure from the ASRS and the BOT forced the railway companies to put brake handles on both sides of the wagons
Statistically for the numbers employed more shunters were killed or seriously injured than coal miners when wagons only had one brake handle.
For a good read about this subject try reading the History of the NUR (vol 1) by Phillip Bagwell.

Hi Bubblewrap,

Thanks for your reply.

Alex