The PermaQuip
The failure of our Wickham trolley with transmission has impacted our ability to carry out maintenance activities. The wickham and trailer were used for transporting tools and all sorts of infrastructure and S&T spares to all parts of the line. The Wickham has been sent away for repairs but with the problem that the non-standard build state is requiring a bespoke solution which is not going to be ready any time soon.
To overcome the problem, and with a dearth of Wickhams available, we have secured the long term loan of a PermaQuip Personnel carrier from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. A comparison between the Wickham and the PermaQuip gives quite a number of similarities and differences. Both have a driving position at one end but whereas the Wickham can travel as fast backwards as forwards (albeit giving the driver a still neck in reverse), the 
PermaQuip has a party trick where it can rotate the body of the vehicle. The pirouette is performed by a lift which raises the body clear of the rails, the body can then be pushed round to face the opposite direction.
Although the PermaQuip does have a reverse gear, its maximum reverse speed is walking pace. We do not have a trailer for the PermaQuip and this will severely limit out ability to move equipment and spares around. However the PermaQuip is enclosed giving the personnel a less draughty journey.
Another point of note is that the PermaQuip is the prototype vehicle, serial no #1.
The comment has been made a number of times that in yellow livery, the PermaQuip looks like Peppa Pig’s camper van only on rails. This has led to a plethora of nicknames.
All images: Bruce Healey
