GWR 55 Riding/Dormitory Van
55 is a GWR 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 GWR 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.[1]
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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.[2]
55 in preservation
55 arrived on the SVR from Tyseley in 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 Santa services. As of July 2017[update] it is at Bewdley.