GWR 6ton Crane & Match Truck

GWR 6ton Crane & Match Truck

Includes specially imported fine chain.

Alan Gibson Wheels compatible : 12mm 8 spoked, 12mm 10 spoked

The toolbox lids can be modelled in the open position.

The jib can be modelling for travelling or lifting. Choice of semi-enclosed / enclosed (BR) gear wheels. The crane requires 12mm 10 spoke wheels and the match truck 12mm 8 spoke wheels.

This type of crane was used by the GWR from the end of the 19th century. There were variations in the design, earlier ones having ropes and pulleys to raise the jib.

The cranes were used at small goods yards that didn't have a suitable yard crane. Whether they travelled to the yard with the loaded/empty wagons, or were sent in advance isn't known, as photographs are rare. They were also used at P.W. depots, where the last of them lasted into the 1980s (e,g, Hereford). Known locations were Aberystwyth, Hatton, Hereford, Machynlleth, Old Oak Common, Paddington, Pilning and Yate.

In 1948, two cranes were heavily modified with new jibs that were mounted horizontally on top of the "body". These went the opposite way to the origins, over the rear weight box. The pair of cranes were either side of a wagon with a small cabin and probably a generator. This was an early track relaying "machine" for use in the Severn Tunnel. It/they were at Bristol East Depot in the early 1980s.

The match truck carried the same number, but in BR days the pairing was mixed, perhaps due to wagons being scrapped.

Dimensions of this kit were taken from the crane on the Dean Forest Railway, and the match truck on the West Somerset Railway.