On behalf of Durham County Council, Shildon-based Engineering consultant, Racebourne Ltd has restored another landmark piece of Shildon’s rich railway heritage, paving the way for the celebration of the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s 200th anniversary in 2025.
The Chauldron Waggon, situated in Cheapside Shildon, is finally back on its plinth following a comprehensive programme of refurbishment.
The waggon was in a sorry state of repair when it was removed from its site in August last year to Racebourne’s workshops in Shildon.
It was literally dropping to pieces; the wooden carcass was completely rotten and some of the ironwork had gone missing.
Not much of the body of the waggon was salvageable, so the approach taken has largely been to rebuild it to reflect what an original chauldron waggon would have looked like back in the day; the previous version having being painted black, which lacked authenticity.
All of the original ironwork has been re-used in the re-construction process, with any missing components being cast from original parts.
Jill Dudley, Service Manager for Improvement and Development at Durham County Council said: “The Racebourne team, led by Paul Harle, has done a fantastic job and hopefully the waggon will continue to stand as testament to Shildon’s historic association with the railways for many years to come.”
Mr Harle added: “I would personally like to thank Ken Stabler, Kevin Mason, Ian Richardson and Anthony Riding, Graham’s Timber for the supply of the hardwood, Shildon Engineering for manufacture of steel components and Sheltee for their expertise in transportation.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
