Chimney Sweep at Beachview Railway Carriage at Blue Anchor
Sweeping the Woodburner on a Train Carriage: A Cosy Task with a Twist
There’s something undeniably magical about a woodburner crackling away inside a vintage train carriage. I had the pleasure of sweeping the woodburner at this unconventional holiday let with it’s warmth, nostalgia, and charm all rolled into one. But with that charm comes responsibility—namely, keeping the stove clean and safe. Sweeping a woodburner in a train carriage isn’t quite like doing it in a house. It’s a quirky, and surprisingly satisfying job that blends old-school maintenance with railway romance.
Why Sweep a Woodburner?
Woodburners build up soot and creosote in the flue over time, and if left unchecked, that buildup can become a serious fire hazard. Regular sweeping keeps the stove burning efficiently and safely—especially important in a confined space like a train carriage.
Unique Challenges of a Train Carriage
- Space is tight: You’re working in a narrow corridor or a snug compartment, often with limited headroom. That means compact tools and a bit of contortion-ism.
- Accessing the flue: Depending on how the stove was installed, you might need to remove panels or reach through awkward angles to get to the flue.
- Dust control: Soot doesn’t care where it lands. In a carriage full of vintage upholstery or polished wood, keeping things clean is a must.
Tools of the Trade
- Flexible chimney rods or a flue brush
- Dust sheets and gloves
- A H class vacuum
- Torch or headlamp for visibility
- A CO detector (always good to have nearby)
The Sweeping Ritual
- Prep the area: I lay down dust sheets, prepare all my equipment and make sure the stove is cold.
- Disassemble carefully: I Remove all of the internal parts, including the baffle plate so I can gain access to the flue.
- Sweep with care: I Use my flexible rods and select the correct size brush head to gently sweep the flue, sealing the woodburner with a clear sweep sheet to contain soot within the stove, feeling for any resistance or heavy buildup.
- Clean up thoroughly: I vacuum or scoop out the debris, wipe down surfaces, and reassemble the stove.
- Check your work: I warm up the flue for a smoke test, and make sure your CO detector is in good working order.
Final Thoughts
Sweeping a woodburner in a train carriage is not something I ever imagined I would do. It was a unique experience. This charming carriage somehow manages to fit in 3 bedrooms as well as a shower room, kitchen and living/dining room where the woodburner is situated. Set in Blue Anchor on the beautiful west somerset coast line, this carriage has plenty of character and history. Not only do you have some fantastic views but you also get to experience trains right outside your accommodation! So if you are a train enthusiast or love quirky accommodation, this is right up your street.
