Steelway’s rail division Steelway Rail is experiencing an increase in demand for their expertise in the restoration and replication of Speartop fencing.

This type of fencing is still a common feature throughout the former GWR system and after years of neglect this traditional form of perimeter and security fencing is being given the facelift it deserves.

Recent restoration projects at St Austell, Minehead and Leamington Spa have drawn high praise from clients who as part of their development programme of the UK Rail Network are keen to restore the often rusting and badly deteriorated fencing systems around the country back to their former glory.

Historically Speartop fencing had been produced using wrought iron which, without modern day paint finishes can be prone to corrosion, particularly on the end and bottom rails. To overcome this problem and to replicate the look of traditional Speartop, Steelway have reproduced the fencing system using mild steel which is then forged to incorporate the typical spearheads, and specialist brackets the whole assembly is then galvanised to BSEN IS0 1461 and subsequently polyester powder coated for increased durability and corrosion resistance.

Steelway have managed to replicate the aesthetics and when dealing with an awkward detail do so by considering how it would have been dealt with 100 years ago without welding process and then reproduce the appropriate appearance using up to date techniques. As with the originals, gate posts are manufactured from cast iron using brand new patterns replicating the ball top originals.

Additionally, yard entrances are sometimes required, traditionally constructed from timber these gates are now being recreated in galvanised steel with specialist brackets and then given a powder coated finish that replicates the look of the timber original but with the inherent resistant qualities of steel and of course hung off appropriate cast iron posts.

Steelway Rail’s expertise in this field has seen them carry out restoration work across a whole range of rail products including GWR Edwardian and art deco benches, cast iron lampposts, wall and corner brackets with associated lanterns, cast iron door plates and period signage and posts. Other projects have included leather bags (hoses) for traditional water columns and structures ranging from turntables to bridges, canopies and corrugated buildings.