Thanks to John Vannisselroy the WMRT have recently become the proud owners of an ex WMR 4 wheel freight wagon, believed to be one of the high side open wagons of the L class. It is one of approximately 6 known surviving WMR freight wagons, the others being members of the L and M class. Other partially complete survivors can be found at the Ferrymead Railway and Steam Rail Wanganui, while a complete L survives at a private residence in the Wairarapa.

Our L is believed to have been built sometime between 1901 and 1906 at the WMR’s Thorndon workshops, the range in dates being gained from three different years being cast into the four horn blocks! The wagon is missing its body sides, drawbar, couplings and Westinghouse brake gear. Most of the floorboards will require replacement, but the timber framing and ironwork is in reasonable condition.

The original axle box covers bearing the letters ‘WMR’ and year of construction have also disappeared.

The wagon was saved from rotten row at Hutt workshops by members of the Silver Stream Railway, and has sat outside their depot for a number of years. Trust member John Vannisselroy arranged the purchase of the L from the SSR, and has located several relevant drawings. Although restoration plans are yet to be finalised, the wagon will complement locomotive No. 9 well, and will eventually join the locomotive at Steam Incorporated’s Paekakariki base.