GWR 82554 Banana Van
| GWR 82554 Banana Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR 82554 Banana Van | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| Number | 82554 |
| Other Numbers | DW 82554 |
| History | |
| Built | 1908 |
| Diagram | V12 |
| Lot | 576 |
| Type | 4-w non-ventilated van |
| Capacity | 10 tons |
| Telegraphic code | FRUIT B (ex MINK A) |
| 1925 | Converted to FRUIT B |
| 1969 | Arrived on SVR |
| 1992-94 | Major overhaul |
GWR Banana Van 82554 was originally built as a 'MINK A' Goods Van at Swindon in 1908 to Diagram V12, Lot 576. In 1925 it was converted to a 'FRUIT B' or Banana Van to Diagram Y5, the conversion involved the removal of vents and the installation of insulation and the end centre shuttered louvre.[1][2] The van had a capacity of 10 tons.
82554 ended its working life in Departmental use at Worcester. It arrived on the SVR on 8 March 1969 having been privately acquired by SVR member J Moss, and was initially restored as a Banana Van at Bewdley later that year.[3] It was then used for storage[4], but after a period of disuse it was acquired by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund in 1991.[5]
A major overhaul began in spring 1992, considered by the Wagon Department at the time to be the most extensive (and expensive) rebuild of a covered van to date.[6] Both headstocks were renewed, together with the curb rails, chassis diagonal bracing and several sections of body uprights. New body planks were fitted and the vacuum brake equipment, which had been removed prior to arrival on the SVR, was reinstated. The roof was also re-canvassed and the overhaul completed in summer 1994.[7]
Following this major overhaul, a quick re-paint was the only work required in spring 2004,[8] while canvas repairs and a roof-only repaint were also undertaken in 2008.[9]
82554 can normally be found at Bridgnorth MPD where it is used for storage. The picture below shows 82554 at Bewdley in 2012.
Bewdley, September 2012 (Gareth Price)
