Report - Abandoned US Army Crane Train, Bristol - August 2020

[OldGit]

The crane is quite clearly WW2 era but the wagons are a few years younger and date from the early years of BR. Would love to pay a visit and take some pics myself!

 

[Steevgee]

Although I am a newbie I have been exploring for most of my life (48 years) and my love of history means I would love to find this train. A whole afternoon of searching to no avail, although its registered to the east somerset railway I am no closer to its location so as much as I enjoy the investigation please could I have a clue.

 

[chills]

Although I am a newbie I have been exploring for most of my life (48 years) and my love of history means I would love to find this train. A whole afternoon of searching to no avail, although its registered to the east somerset railway I am no closer to its location so as much as I enjoy the investigation please could I have a clue.

Some investigations take more than a ‘whole afternoon’ to find; there’s a clue.

If you’ve been exploring 48 years, get some reports up on the site, then members may be more willing to help you out, but, as a general rule on the site, clues aren’t given, this isn’t a game show.

 

[Imba]

Although I am a newbie I have been exploring for most of my life (48 years) and my love of history means I would love to find this train. A whole afternoon of searching to no avail, although its registered to the east somerset railway I am no closer to its location so as much as I enjoy the investigation please could I have a clue.

It taken me longer than an afternoon of research to find this place. You are definitely on the right track though (excuse the pun)

 

[Steevgee]

Some investigations take more than a ‘whole afternoon’ to find; there’s a clue.

If you’ve been exploring 48 years, get some reports up on the site, then members may be more willing to help you out, but, as a general rule on the site, clues aren’t given, this isn’t a game show.

Fair enough!

 

[westernsultan]

The crane is quite clearly WW2 era but the wagons are a few years younger and date from the early years of BR. Would love to pay a visit and take some pics myself!

At the risk of repeating myself the details are

63063

DexS ex Army

5T

4W

Grafton 1540/?1914

It was built in 1914 as a steam crane for a ship. Before the ship sank the crane was removed and added to a rail wagon. At some stage it was converted to Diesel either before or during its MOD service

 

[westernsultan]

Although I am a newbie I have been exploring for most of my life (48 years) and my love of history means I would love to find this train. A whole afternoon of searching to no avail, although its registered to the east Somerset railway I am no closer to its location so as much as I enjoy the investigation please could I have a clue.

It's been at the ESR since at least 1991

 

[The Amateur Wanderer]

Days of research? Took me 15 minutes in a layby, the works number helps massively!

 

[The Amateur Wanderer]

I would add without the original post I wouldn't have ever known though!

 

[bollockmaster]

Looks fantastic, I love old engineering. Wonder if that engine is a yank?

 

[Szczaben99]

Awesome find!

 

[huntez99]

correct and here are the details I posted yesterday

63063

DexS ex Army

5T

4W

Grafton 1540/?1914

Where did you find this information out of curiosity?

Cheers,
J

 

[westernsultan]

Where did you find this information out of curiosity?

Cheers,
J

https://www.ontrackplant.com/ and another site listing preserved cranes but that has not been fully updated but has basic information about this one such as manufacturer

 

[huntez99]

https://www.ontrackplant.com/ and another site listing preserved cranes but that has not been fully updated but has basic information about this one such as manufacturer

Thank you very much

J

 

[westernsultan]

Thank you very much

J

You're very welcome