GWR 68501 'Toad' 20T Goods Brake Van
| GWR 68501 'Toad' 20T Goods Brake Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR 68501 'Toad' 20T Goods Brake Van | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| Number | 68501 |
| History | |
| Built | 1925 |
| Diagram | AA.15 |
| Lot | 932 |
| Type | Brake Van |
| Capacity | 20 tons |
| Telegraphic code | TOAD |
| Brakes | Non-vacuum braked |
| 1975 | Entered preservation |
| 1985 | Appeared on the main line |
Contents
Contents
Preservation
68501 was purchased from BR Radstock in 1975 by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund. Following major structural rebuilding, it has regularly featured in demonstration freight trains on gala weekends.[3]
In 1985, 68501 appeared on the main line when it was used as the brake van in the GW 150 demonstration freight train which ran to Newport behind GWR freight loco 2857.
During the Autumn Steam Gala in 1990, 68501 suffered a sidelong coming-together with pannier tank 5764. The brake van required repairs to handrails, step boards roof planks and a new roof canvas; 5764 also required bodywork repairs.[4]
During the following year’s Autumn Steam Gala, 68501 suffered more damage when one of the sand pipes was caught on a rail joint at Kidderminster. This was drawn to the Guard's attention by a passenger pointing out that 'The exhaust pipe has fallen off!'[5]
68501 was moved in to Bewdley Goods Shed in October 2017 for a repaint and minor repairs. These were completed in time for The GWR 813 Preservation Fund’s brake van specials on 25 November 2017.[6]