Locomotive casting patterns

[rgstn]

Does anyone know what happened to all the wooden casting patterns for boiler end fittings that would have been at stored at various works in the days of steam. Were they destroyed when the works were closed? They would obviously be very handy for the present day heritage railways.

rgstn

[neilgow]

From memory, back in the 1980's, the GWR Pattern Store was emptied to provide space for all the patterns coming in from other Works. The GWR patterns were saved by members of the preservation movement. On closure of Swindon Works in 1986, Swindon Council became involved and eventually the incoming patterns moved to the old airbase at Wroughton. As to their current location or whether they still exist, I do not know. One person became the pattern co-ordinator and organised the casting process.

HTH

NG.

[sawdust]

Swindon Historic Castings is now closed following the loss of suitable storage facilities.
Parts of the Pattern collection have been dispersed to interested parties but a residue of many thousands of patterns has been destroyed.

Great Western Locomotive patterns are located with the Great Western Society. That is principally the A and B series of patterns.
Great Western Coach patterns and Wolverton patterns are located with the Swindon and Cricklade Railway. That is principally the R, L and W series of patterns
Eastleigh and Ashford patterns, are located with the Bluebell Railway. That is principally the J series of patterns
Steam Crane patterns are located with the East Somerset Railway.
Gresham & Craven Brake Cylinder patterns are located with the South Devon Railway.
Davies and Metcalfe Patterns, both Steam and Diesel; Vacuum and Air; are now with the South Devon Railway
Hunslet and various industrial patterns are located with the Kent & East Sussex Railway. That is principally the C series of patterns.
Vale of Rheidol have received patterns appropriate to their railway.
Patterns have also been located with specific interest groups. There have been a number of BR Standard patterns transferred to the Standard Locomotive Owners Association, and LMS patterns to the Patriot locomotive group. Appropriate patterns for the Galloping Gertie project have been transferred to that locomotive group.
A large selection including LNER, LMS and Diesel patterns have been transferred to Tysley Locomotive Works. Further details of their holding are still to be confirmed here.
Patterns that are the property of third party organisations, have been returned to their owners.

For

GWR rail chairs

Gresham & Craven Drawings

Please enquire initially with Timesegment Limited. Timesegment Limited will also continue to supply items that were previously marketed through Swindon Historic Castings Ltd, such as Headboards, Wagon plates and certain other spares where they were the owners of the patterns.

Sawdust.