Lydd Target Trolley trackwork

The following slideshow features examples of the cable hauled systems trackwork and the later improvements for the "automatic" operation of the self-propelled trolleys at Lydd ranges.

The trackwork was all built to the nominal gauge of 2ft (600mm), had 36 foot radius curves in places and had to be capable of handling multiple 2000lb trolleys, at any one time, travelling at up to 30mph per vehicle between ranges and when loaded with targets on range track that in place included rise & falls and banked curves (to make the job of spotting then shooting at the targets more realistic).

And one has to remember that Lydd ranges are built atop shifting shingle banks, meaning for that reason alone, the trackwork had to be substantial.

Section of track behind a firing-butt revetment showing the cable that hauled the original trolleys and targets (c) Andrew Coward collection
Close up of the cable-hauled target trolley braking system. When activated the cable pulls the braking piece out of the way to allow vehicles to pass or releases the tension to close the brake causing vehicles to immediately halt (c) Andrew Coward collection
Automatic braking application the trolley passes over the bar which forces the servo assisted braking to apply and the vehicle slows down rather than coming to an abrupt halt (c) Andrew Coward collection
Just some of the extensive trackwork with auto braking functions (c) Andrew Coward collection

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