GWR 55 Riding/Dormitory Van

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GWRGreat Western Railway 55 Riding/Dormitory Van
GW 55 20150517.jpg
GWRGreat Western Railway Riding and Dormitory Van 55 at Bewdley
Built By GWRGreat Western Railway Swindon
Status Operational
Number 55
Other Numbers DW 55[1]
History
Built 1908
Lot 571
Type 4-w riding/dormitory van
Telegraphic code n/a
1973 Arrived on SVRSevern Valley Railway

Goods Wagons

55 is a GWRGreat Western Railway 4-wheel Riding and Dormitory Van. As built these were gas-lit and included stoves for heating and cooking. In service they were paired with 6-wheel Tool vans such as GWR 66, and were stationed at GWRGreat Western Railway loco sheds. The Tool and Riding Van pairs would be required to attend mishaps as fast as possible and were vacuum-braked to allow running at near express speeds.[2]

55 in service

55 was built at Swindon in 1908 as part of Lot 571. Initially it was allocated to Trowbridge and later to Westbury, both in Wiltshire.[3]

55 in preservation

55 arrived on the SVRSevern Valley Railway from Tyseley on 24 November 1973, having been acquired by the GWR 813 Preservation Fund.

55 was moved from Bewdley to Hampton Loade in summer 2016 for temporary use as volunteer accommodation, taking the place of GWR 2426 Toplight Full Third. In November 2016, it was moved to Kidderminster for use as a mess room during the [Christmas services|Santa services]].

See also

List of goods wagons

References

  1. Railway Heritage Register Wagon Survey
  2. SVRSevern Valley Railway Stock Book 9th Edition
  3. GWR813.org

Links

55 on Railway Heritage Register On-Line
55 on GWR813.org