GWR 40554 Chaired Sleeper Wagon
GWR 40554 Chaired Sleeper Wagon | |
---|---|
GWR 40554 Chaired Sleeper Wagon | |
Built By | GWR Swindon |
Status | Operational |
Number | 40554 |
History | |
Built | 1895 |
Diagram | T1 |
Lot | 245 |
Type | 4-wheel well wagon |
Capacity | 18 tons |
Telegraphic code | n/a |
1973 | Preserved on SVR |
1985 | GWR 150 main line appearance |
2011-12 | Overhaul |
40554 was built by the GWR at Swindon in 1895 (SVR Stock Book states 1899) to Diagram T1, Lot 245.[1] It is a special type of well wagon, originally used for moving chaired sleepers from the Hayes Creosote Depot in Middlesex. During BR service it was adapted for moving concrete products from Taunton, but post-preservation it has been restored to its original configuration.[2] It has a capacity of 18 tons and is lettered “To Carry 160 chaired sleepers”.
The wagon was acquired from Swindon Works in July 1973 where it was awaiting scrapping.[2] It was used by S&T for mole-ploughing (installing underground cables alongside the railway) and by both S&T and P-Way for material movement and storage. Apart from a repaint in August 1983 it received no attention until a lengthy overhaul in 2011-12.[3]
In 1985, 40554 appeared on the main line when it was used in the GW 150 demonstration freight train which ran to Newport behind GWR freight loco 2857.[4]
40554 is owned by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund and is shown in the photograph at Bewdley. The Railway Heritage Register Wagon Survey suggests this is the only surviving example of this particular type of well wagon.