GWR 55 Riding/Dormitory Van
55 is a GWR 4-wheel Riding and Dormitory Van. In service these ran 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.
55 was built at Swindon in 1908. It arrived on the SVR from Tyseley in November 1973. In summer 2016, 55 was moved from Bewdley to Hampton Loade for use as volunteer accommodation, taking the place of GWR 2426 Toplight Full Third.
See also
References
Railway Heritage Register Wagon Survey
Severn Valley Railway Stock Book Ninth Edition