Project 24 - Battledown Flyover #23 (What is that laying in the grass?)

One of the aspects of modelling a real scene, especially countryside, is that the scene is generally open and uncluttered. Sometimes it is a good idea to add some objects for extra visual interest. 

Battledown Flyover is a case in point. Except, when works are being carried to the bridge or permanent way a lot of equipment can be seen laying about and some of it remains when the work is finished. We have already seen on the model, sleepers laid against the bridge arch and a length of rail buried in the grass but, Look at this photo. What is that laying in the grass next to the wagon wheels?

I have seen about ten photographs aimed at passing trains that also show the object. It seems those wheelsets and the object in question were in place from about 1961 to 1965. An earlier photograph from the 1950s shows them closer to the bridge and a later photograph from 1967 shows a similar arrangement further up the line near the now demolished Worting signal box. None of the photos give a close enough view to determine exactly what it is. 

I thought it may be a pallet or the body of a permanent way trolley. I decided to investigate trolleys and came upon three photos of railway flatbed trolleys. A character of these was the unusual spoke design of the wheels. There are seven spokes, each one curved. Closer examination of the Battledown photos revealed that the wheels also had seven curved spokes. That sealed it for me. We are looking at a flatbed trolley with its wheel sets removed. 

Furthermore, the trolley seemed to be upside down but, why are the wheels separate? Perhaps it is to dissuade trespassers from using it on the track since this place in the 1960s would often be swarmed with enthusiasts and photographers. Some even climbed the embankments and at least one stood by the track on the embankment next to the bridge to film a train coming through it at speed!

Another photograph showed an oil barrel nearby that was only there for a short time (I guess). All these objects have now been modelled.

What is that laying in the grass?

To Part 1.

To Part 24.