GWR 105873 'Mica B' Refrigerated Meat Van.
105873 is a 'MicaGWR telegraphic code signifying a meat van B', the telegraphic code 'MicaGWR telegraphic code signifying a meat van' designating a Refrigerated Meat Van of which 'B' is the ventilated variant. These vans were used to transport refrigerated meat to Smithfield and other markets. 105873 was built at Swindon in 1925 to Diagram X8, Lot 921. It has a 6 ton capacity. Its working life ended at the Port of Bristol Authority, numbered PBA 8.
Initially preserved at the DeanWilliam Dean, Chief Locomotive Engineer of the Great Western Railway 1877-1902 Forest Railway at Lydney, it was acquired by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund in 1973, arriving on the SVRSevern Valley Railway on 1 September in that year. It required extensive renovation which was carried out at Bewdley. Since then it has been used for moving presents for Santa’s Grotto, and for storage of 08 shunter spares. It is regularly seen in the demonstration goods train, and can be easily recognised by its distinctive white livery with red lettering.
See Also
References
SVRSevern Valley Railway Stock Book 9th Edition
Links
105873 on www.gwr813.org
105873 on www.vintagecarriagestrust.org