GWR 89 Riding/Dormitory Van

GWR 89 Riding/Dormitory Van
GWR Riding and Dormitory Van 89
Built By	GWR Swindon
Status	Operational
Number	89
Other Numbers	DW 89
History
Built	1908
Lot	580
Type	4-w riding/dormitory van
Telegraphic code	n/a
1972	Arrived on SVR
2021	Acquisition by the Great Western (SVR) Association
Goods Wagons

GWR 89 Riding/Dormitory Van is a 4-wheel vehicle built at Swindon in 1908. 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.

Contents

Preservation

It arrived on the SVR from Worcester on 29 January 1972.

Following the death of long-time owner Pete Simpson, agreement was reached in 2021 with the administrators of his estate for the van to be acquired by the Great Western (SVR) Association. Subsequently, new larch cladding was installed at the "officer's end." By 2023 work had commenced on repairs to the frame on the south end of the town side.

The Association has been sorting through the material and tools left by Pete, much of which can be utilised by the Association. Once cleared, it is likely that GWR 89 will be used as the Association's mess van, GWR 98 Full Brake having insufficient space for that purpose in addition to acting as a workshop vehicle and store.

It is situated in Bewdley Down Yard.

See also

List of goods wagons

Links

• 89 on Railway Heritage Register On-Line