GWR 104621 Mink 'A' Covered Goods Van
| GWR 104621 Mink 'A' Covered Goods Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR 104621 Mink 'A' Covered Goods Van | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| History | |
| Built | 1924 |
| Diagram | V18 |
| Lot | 920 |
| Type | 12 ton ventilated van |
| Telegraphic code | MINK A |
| 1971 | Entered preservation |
| 1992 | Major overhaul |
GWR 104621 is a 'Mink A' 4-wheeled ventilated covered van with a 12 ton capacity and a 9ft wheelbase. The GWR began construction of covered goods vans (telegraphic code MINK) in the 1880s. Early examples had iron bodies and were thus known as 'Iron Minks', but the use of wooden bodies became the norm in the early 20th century. 104621 was built at Swindon in 1924 to Diagram V18, Lot 920.[1][2]
Service[edit | edit source]
After service with GWR and BR(W), the wagon was used at Round Oak Steelworks, Brierley Hill.
Preservation[edit | edit source]
104621 was acquired from Round Oak in 1971,[3] arriving on the SVR on 5 May 1972. It was repainted in GWR livery shortly after arrival, but then used at Bridgnorth as a stores van for 61994 The Great Marquess during that locomotive’s restoration.[4]
Restoration of 104621 by the Wagon Department began at Bewdley in Spring 1992.[5] This entailed a complete body overhaul, including new roof planks and canvas and new doors. After repainting to GWR condition, it was initially put to use by the DMU group for the storage of spares.[6]
104621 is one of the wagons regularly seen in the Demonstration Goods Train. It is owned by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund.