GWR 2233 Corridor Brake Third
| GWR 2233 Corridor Brake Third | |
|---|---|
 GWR Corridor Brake Third 2233 | |
| Built By | Metro Cammell for BR(W) |
| Status | Static use |
| Number | 2233 |
| Other numbers | W2233W, DW150401 |
| History | |
| Built | 1950 |
| Designed By | Hawksworth |
| Diagram | D133 |
| Lot | 1732 |
| Type | BTK |
| Length | 64ft 0in |
| Weight | 31t 2cwt |
| Seats | None (32 third as built) |
| 1990 | Entered preservation on SVR |
Corridor Brake Third (BTK) 2233 was part of Lot 1732 to Diagram D133, the last Lot ordered by the GWR.[1] It was a Hawksworth design and was built for BR(W) by Metro Cammell. In addition to the guard’s compartment it had four third class compartments seating 32, with one toilet.
Contents
Contents
Service
W2233W, as it was numbered by BR(W), entered service in October 1952. In November 1966 it was renumbered DW150401 having been converted for Departmental use as an RCE staff and dormitory coach. It was withdrawn from that role in 1990.[2]
Preservation
2233 was one of four such coaches purchased by SVR(H) in 1990, arriving from Radyr on 30 August, the others being 2148, 2214 and 2218. Originally all four were intended for breaking up to provide a source of spare wheelsets and other spares. However, the wheelsets proved little better than those they were intended to replace.[3]
The SVRA organised various raffles to raise funds for converting coaches for volunteer sleeping accommodation at Bewdley and Kidderminster to replace the long-serving 9082 and 9084. 2233 was the vehicle selected to become the 'new' accommodation at Bewdley. The design consisted of five double-berth compartments for occupation by regular working volunteers, while at either end there would be berths for occasional visiting volunteers in common rooms of four berths and six berths respectively. A kitchen/dining area suitable for light snacks was included, together with the facility to add a toilet at a later date. The end corridor connections were blanked off. The work was completed in 1996, with 2233 becoming available for use in January, 1997.[4] 9082 was subsequently deemed 'surplus to requirements' and left the SVR in 2005.
The 1999 stock book suggested that another of the batch of four was earmarked for a similar conversion for use at Kidderminster. In the event, 2214 was scrapped in 1999 with the bogies, drawgear and doors being saved, while 2148 and 2218 left for a private site in Kidderminster on 25 July 2001 where they were subsequently scrapped. 9084 continued in use as sleeping accommodation at Kidderminster, where it may still be seen in the bay platform.
Sister vehicle GWR 2242 Corridor Brake Third moved to the SVR in 2019.
See also
References
- ↑ Harris (1966) p. 155.
- ↑ Longworth (2018) p.175.
- ↑ SVR News 137, p.76.
- ↑ SVR News 127
Links
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