Wickham of Ware
Based in Ware (Hertfordshire) the company is probably better known for the small 'trolleys' it produced used by permanent way gangs. These were sold worldwide, as were more conventional passenger railcars. Only five DMU driver/trailer sets were built for the UK, also five passenger railbuses and another that became the 'Elliot' Track Recording Coach.
They developed a unique weight saving body construction method using a framework of square section steel tube with alloy body panels.
Works Order Numbers
| BR Lot | Registration Order No. | Works Numbers | BTC Order reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50415-9 | 30288 | 58666 | 7345-9 | ST/PRE/A/581/14 dated 10 June 1955 |
| 56170-4 | 30289 | " | 7350-4 | " |
| 79965-9 | 30481 |
The image shows a DMU vehicle under construction in a frame that allowed the cars to be rotated to make welding easier.
A brief company history can be found on the Rail Trolley Trust website and also on this Hertfordshire Genealogy website. There are two books which will provide further reading about the company:
Wickham of Ware: A History of D. Wickham & Company, Railcar Manufacturers
Loxley Ford & James Cooper
Rockingham Press
ISBN 1873468407
The story of Britain’s most prolific manufacturer of railcars, trolleys, underground man riding cars and other permanent way equipment. A hardback publication of 288 pages and copiously illustrated, released in December 2003.
The Wickham Works List
Keith Gunner & Mike Kennard
Dennis Duck Publications
ISBN 0954919920
This 150 page spiral bound volume gives technical and delivery details for every vehicle that the company supplied. Released in December 2004.