GWR 112 Breakdown Tool Van
| GWR 112 Breakdown Tool Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR Breakdown Tool Van 112 in March 2021 | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Number | 112 |
| Other Numbers | DW112 |
| History | |
| Built | 1904 |
| Type | 4-w tool van |
| Telegraphic code | n/a |
| 1968 | Arrived on SVR |
GWR Breakdown Tool Van 112 was built at Swindon in 1904. In service these 6-wheel Tool Vans carried a large selection of equipment and lifting tackle, and were paired with Riding/Dormitory Vans. They were vacuum-braked to permit fast running to the scene of accidents and breakdowns on the railway.
112, renumbered DW112 by BR, was based at nearby Stourbridge MPD where it formed part of the Stourbridge Breakdown Train Unit paired with short wheelbase Riding Van DW118.[1]
Stourbridge Shed closed to steam on 11 July 1966. In 1968 Chris George and a group of SVR members acquired five vehicles from there to form a "breakdown train" for the SVR (still some two years before the eventual re-opening in 1970). These comprised steam crane GWR RS38 and two match trucks, plus DW112 and DW118 which came fully equipped with tools and equipment. The crane and trucks were collected from Bewdley by 46443 and delivered to Bridgnorth on 13 April 1968, with tool and riding vans being delivered by the same method on 4 May 1968.[2]
112 was restored into GWR livery in 1969,[3] and went on to be used as a work-base for locomotive restoration teams.[4] Between 1972 and 1974, ownership was recorded as transferring from Chris George to SVR(H).[5]
At some point the vehicle was fitted with modern opening roof windows. In July 2021 the roof was refurbished at Bewdley.[6]
As of 2024[update] the vehicle was being used by the WILPT as a mess and tool van for their overhaul of 2047 Warwickshire in Bewdley Down Yard.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ SVR Stock Book Second Edition, Summer 1970
- ↑ SVR News 9, June 1968, Rolling Stock News
- ↑ SVR Stock Book Third Edition, August 1971
- ↑ SVR Stock Book Eighth Edition, February 1990
- ↑ SVR Stock Book Fourth and Fifth Editions
- ↑ Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Trust website (Retrieved 14 September 2021)