Hello all,

I spent my whole working life on the railway at Thornaby TMD. from Diesel Fitter apprentice in 1962 up to Production Manager (locos). I'm not sure if I was made redundant or retired in 2007 but I'm glad I got out of the new railway!

I was Thornabys Toolvan Supervisor from 1977 to 1990 and had the pleasure of using several steam 45T cranes, briefly a telejib and ended with a 76tonne rebuild. Was one of the few involved in the design of the 'Bruff'. A case of enjoying breakdown work in its many disguises and once in the blood it never leaves.

Now spend most of my time involved with the Ryedale Society of Model Engineers and building 5" steam locos and wagons. If any one has a 5" breakdown crane bring it to Gilling.......

Hello Bob.

I've taken the liberty of moving your 'Introduction' post to here (see above), out of John Cafearo's own Introduction, as I expect you intended it to stand alone.

You have a very interesting background with breakdown cranes, more than enough for you to be very much welcomed as a member of the BDCA. I've sent you an invitation by private email.

Regards,
David.

Welcome to the forum Bob

Hi Bob, Remember me? I was at Grosmont from 1978 - 1980.

Hello Bob,

Our paths have probably crossed. Fairly early on in my career, I was at Thornaby for a demonstration of righting an overturned wagon.

The wagon was on the rails when we arrived, and it needed to be turned onto it's side. We were invited to go away from the site whilst the wagon was overturned.

After the demo boys had managed to get the air bags under the wagon, much huffing and puffing, and presto, back upright again.

Hi Phil

I'm afraid I don't look at the BDCA website as much as I should...

I can remember the tank wagon in question, an old battered 45 tonner. Yes the air bags weren't really suitable for what we wanted to accomplish!!! They were tough but had limited lift. We were given a set but rarely used them unless we needed to get an initial lift to get a sling or jack into position. The crane would have done it in minutes and the MFD a bit longer...