Volume Thirteen - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - even more aspects -1883 - Taff Vale Railway - Wagon Rules & Regulations . . . .

You may recall, in an earlier chapter, that my Grandfather, Frederick Riden, was involved in the construction and repair of coal wagons at the Taff Wagon Company over on Ferry Road, Cardiff, from the 1920's onwards.

Earlier than his involvement, and back in the 1880's, there were many private owner coal-wagons running on the TVR system including those of the coal distributors and colliery owners, hence, standards of safety and maintenance were somewhat variable and of great concern to the Directors of the TVR. There many instances of mineral trains being delayed due to brake or coupling failures, etc., which often caused severe delays in bringing the coal to Penarth Dock and the Ely Tidal Harbour and in collating and returning the empties back to the appropriate collieries.

The need for a Taff Vale Railway 'Standard' was long overdue given the thousands of wagons using their railway network on a daily basis and the need for efficient network planning and control ; and, of course, to maximise profit for the TVR! The Rules and Regulations continue:-

The Owner may make the Vehicles suitable for his own purposes, but only of such materials, strength, and dimensions as may be approved by the Company. Persons about to build any Vehicles are invited to submit drawings and Specifications : this may prevent any objection being afterwards made.

WHEELS AND AXLES

The wheels, with cast or wrought-iron bosses, to have each eight pairs of wrought-iron spokes, not less than three and a half inches by three-quarters of an inch, welded at all corners, and formed into a perfect circle.

The tyres to be fitted to the rim in the most perfect manner, and secured with an approved fastening, but not rivets or set screws.