Back in 2019 we featured a tramcar trailer which had been moved to a proposed new museum, Steamworks in Southwold, now four years on and we revisit that location to see ex-Charleroi trailer no. 7 now sitting on rails again although not yet operational.
First off a little bit of a history lesson of no. 7. Originally built 1904, this Franco-Belge 2-axle trailer car was rebuilt in 1950 and had around a quarter of century of operation (different sources gives its withdrawal as either 1974 or 1975) before it ran for the last time in Belgium. Salvation was to come as it (as well as three other similar trailers) were acquired by the County Donegal Railway where they were converted for use as hauled stock. Before reaching Southwold (which is on the Suffolk coast) it spent a period at the Costwold Light Railway.
The Southwold Railway Trust have been attempting to create a visitor attraction surrounding the historic narrow gauge railway link between Halesworth and Southwold. This three foot gauge line ran for just over 8 miles between the two towns but would only operate for 50 years before 1879 and 1929 when it was closed. They are developing Steamworks which is located around the former station site at Wenhaston and this will include a short section of 3 foot line to allow demonstration services to operate.
A new build replica locomotive named Blyth has been constructed and it undergoing commissioning and this will run on the short line when it is completed. The tram trailer will also be restored to allow it to be used but is currently sheeted over and requires some work before it can be.
- The Southwold Railway Trust have regular open days. More information on the Trust, their project and where they are can be seen at https://www.southwoldrailway.co.uk/.
Last time we saw no. 7 it was fully exposed to the elements and there was not a rail in sight! Now its on track and has some protection from the elements.
A look inside the vehicle and it has some company!
And looking into the saloon with wooden bench seating. (All Photographs by Bryan Grint, 10th July 2024)
Something not quite right with the timeline here – County Donegal Railway closed in 1960.
Pedantically… they ran on what is now commonly known as the “Fintown Railway” which is a heritage line on part of the Glenties to Stranorlar branch of the former County Donegal Railway, but the line was previously marketed as the “County Donegal Heritage Railway”.
(this is not to be confused with the County Donegal Railway Museum in Donegal itself which has a short intermittently operated running line as well)
Not mentioned is that at least 2 of the Charleroi trailers were also used at the Shanes Castle Railway prior to moving to Fintown.