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[[File:{{Infobox wagon|image = GWR_83831_20150307.jpg|caption = GWR 83831 Loco Coal Wagon.jpg|construc = GWR Swindon|status = Operational|wagno = 83831|othernos = CB 66|designed = |diagram = N27|lot = 1024|thumbwagtype = 4-wheel steel open|300pxcapacity = 20 tons|righttelcode = |GWR 83831 Loco Coal Wagon]]brakes = 83831 was |built at Swindon circa = 1931-32 to Diagram N27, Lot 1084. It |years1 = 1985|events1 = Arrived on SVR|years2 = 1986|events2 = Rebuilt|years3 = 2005|events3 = Major overhaul|years4 = |events4 = |years5 = |events5 = |years6 = |events6 = }}83831 is one of thousands of 20 ton Coal Wagons (telegraphic code coal wagons used by the GWR'LOCO') s Locomotive Department which were a common sight on the coal stages at GWR loco sheds; many were also hired out to collieries to replace elderly wooden-framed wagons. Locomotive Department wagons were identified by a large 'LOCO' painted on the sides, although 'LOCO' did not appear in the GWR list of [[Telegraph codes|telegraph codes]].

==Service==83831 was built at Swindon circa 1931-32 to Diagram N27, Lot 1084. When originally constructed at Swindon this vehicle was fitted with GWR DClll ratchet brakes (later replaced - probably by B.R. - with Morton lever brakes).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1225671721205109&set=a.147151429057149 Goss P., Facebook, 21 June 2021] (Retrieved 26 June 2021)</ref> It was later sold by BR(W) to the CEGB for use at the Carmarthen Bay Power Station. It was acquired from there in 1985 by its present owners, [[The GWR 813 Preservation Fund]], arriving on the SVR in March of that year. It was totally rebuilt at Bewdley in 1986.numbered CB 66<ref>SVR Stock Book 9th EditionRailway Heritage Wagon Survey</ref>.

==Preservation==83831 was acquired from there in 1985 by its present owners, [[The GWR 813 Preservation Fund]], arriving on the SVR on 14 March of that year.<ref>SVR Stock Book 9th Edition</ref> It was initially in poor condition with rusty bodywork and damaged headstocks and buffer casings resulting from being used at the CEGB with broken buffer springs. It also had a lopsided appearance due to the two sides having different springs and tyres of different thickness. 83831 was totally rebuilt at Bewdley over the winter of 1985-1986 with the floor and platework being replaced and the various faults remedied. The seven month restoration was completed in June 1986. Despite its large capacity, it initially saw little use due to the difficulty of emptying it through its comparatively small side doors.<ref>SVR News 80 / 82</ref>  In spring 2004 83831 returned to the [[Wagon Department]] for a repaint and what was anticipated to be minor repairs to the wagon floor.<ref>SVR News 147</ref> Further investigation revealed that subsequent use, including storing coal, loco ash and also rubble from the rebuilding of Highley platform, had reduced the original 6mm steel floor to a thickness of only 1mm in places. A new floor was therefore fitted for a second time in preservation, with completion of the overhaul and painting coinciding with the 2005 Autumn Steam Gala.<ref>SVR News 152</ref> It was subsequently used to store drums of cable for the S&T department. In June 2021 it was moved outside [[Bewdley Goods Shed]] for work by the Wagon Department on its leaf springs. 83831 is principally used in the [[Demonstration Goods Train]]. ==See Alsoalso==*[[Goods Wagons | List of goods wagons]][[Rolling stock currently under restoration]]

*[http://www.gwr813.org/pagew87.html 83831 on www.gwr813.org]<br>*[http://www.ws.vintagecarriagestrustrhrp.org.uk/ws/WagonInfo.asp?Ref=7456 83831 on www.vintagecarriagestrust.orgRailway Heritage Register On-Line] [[Category: Rolling stock owned by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund]][[Category:Featured articles]][[Category:Rolling stock in Bewdley Down Yard]]<br>