GWR 65801 Mogo Van
| GWR 65801 Mogo Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR 65801 Mogo Van | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| Number | 65801 |
| History | |
| Built | 1946-47 |
| Diagram | G43 |
| Lot | 1556 |
| Type | 4-wheeled ventilated van |
| Capacity | 12 tons |
| Telegraphic code | MOGO |
| 1973 | Arrived on SVR |
| 1984 | Overhauled |
| 1985 | In main line use |
| 2000 | Overhauled |
Contents
Service and preservation
The GWR’s ‘G’ Diagrams originally covered large open wagons such as the LORIOT used for transporting road vehicles and agricultural equipment, but by the 1930s the growth of private car ownership saw the GWR introduce covered vans for transporting cars by rail. 65801 was built at Swindon circa 1946-47 to Diagram G43, Lot 1556.[3] It saw service in BR's Western region.
65801 was acquired by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund at Swindon, where it was awaiting breaking up. It arrived on the SVR from there on 3 July 1973.[2]
In May 1982 the van was cleaned down and primed by a visiting group of volunteers from the Bristol Conservation Corps, with painting and lettering completed by John Lonergan.[4]. Two years later it received a more major overhaul which included recanvassing the roof, rebuilding the end doors using second-hand ‘FRUIT D’ door planks, and replacing all four axleboxes with Great Western RCH pattern ones. Following a complete repaint it re-entered service during the Enthusiasts' Weekend Demonstration Goods Train on 15 September.[5] It appeared on the main line in 1985 as part of the GW 150 demonstration freight train which ran to Newport behind GWR freight loco 2857.[6]
During 2000, 65801 returned to Bewdley yard for a further overhaul which began the following summer. On this occasion the roof canvas was repaired rather than replaced, but the complete outer skin of the four end doors was replaced using new timber, with the inner door planks being replaced as required. The overhaul was completed during 2002.[7]
In 2008 a falling slate from the Goods Shed roof split the roof canvas, necessitating another repair. The opportunity was taken for a complete repaint of the vehicle at the same time.[8]