This project started life as a way to learn to weld, using 25 x 25 mm square steel tube salvaged from a pallet on which a ride-on mower was delivered. After a few practice welds, I realised there was enough square tube to fabricate a low-floor wagon which would be useful for various duties.
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| The welder - gasless, flux core variety. |
The first step was to fabricate one sideframe, and test the strength of the welds by supporting each end on a brick and standing on the middle. It passed.
After the success with the first sideframe, I ordered a basic welding table which would greatly assist in aligning the overall frame straight and level.
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| The wagon frame taking shape on the welding table |
Within a relatively short time-frame, a rolling wagon emerged from the workshop. The low level floor is a piece of chipboard which rests on conveniently located lugs which were already attached to the side pieces.
Short lengths of 25 x 50 mm rectangular tube, left behind by the previous owner of the house, provided attachment points for the bogie pivots and couplers.
I purchased flat bar from the local hardware store to fill in the end parts of the frame.
Welded areas received a good clean-up and a coat of anti-rust primer, followed by an all-over application of Colorbond Manor Red - the railway's standard wagon colour.
