GWR 105873 'Mica B' Refrigerated Meat Van
105873 is a 'Mica B', the telegraphic code 'Mica' 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 Dean Forest Railway at Lydney, it was acquired by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund in 1973, arriving on the SVR 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
SVR Stock Book 9th Edition