GWR 93016 Mink 'A' Covered Goods Van
| GWR 93016 Mink 'A' Covered Goods Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR 93016 Mink 'A' Covered Goods Van | |
| Built By | GWR, Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| Number | 93016 |
| Other Numbers | DW 93016 |
| History | |
| Built | 1913 |
| Diagram | V16 |
| Lot | 742 |
| Type | 4-w ventilated van |
| Capacity | 10 tons |
| Telegraphic code | MINK A |
| Brakes | DCIII (non-vac) |
| 1917 | Sent overseas for war service |
| 1920 | Returned from war service |
| 1961 | Condemned, transferred to departmental service in Hull |
| 1972 | Purchased for preservation |
| 1973 | Arrived on SVR |
| 1985 | In mainline service |
Contents
Contents
Service
93016 was built in Swindon in April 1913 as part of Lot 742 It was sent overseas as part of the war effort in May 1917, returning to the GWR in November 1920. It was withdrawn from service with BR(W) when condemned in December 1960, but was then transferred for further use as a service vehicle by BR (North Eastern Region) in March 1971[2].
Preservation
93016 was one of the first vehicles to be bought by The GWR 813 Preservation Fund in 1972.[2] It arrived on the SVR from Hull on 6 April 1973.[3] Restoration was begun by the 813 Fund's Paddy Goss as a long-term project,[4] but completed by the Wagon Department in late 1983. Three planks were replaced in one end and the timber over the doors renewed using iroko wood. A new roof canvas was fitted, and the underframe sandblasted. The wagon was repainted in 1913-era grey with 25 inch high GW lettering, and the word 'Ventilated' on both sides and ends.[5]
Following this restoration, 93016 was one of six wagons selected for exhibition at Swindon during the GWR 150 event which was planned for August 1985.[6] The exhibition event was cancelled after BREL announced the closure of the works, and instead 93016 took part in the main line GW 150 demonstration freight train which ran to Newport behind GWR freight loco 2857 in September.[7]
Repairs were next undertaken in summer 1993. On that occasion new doors were fitted and several body planks replaced. One side of the roof canvas was also repaired and the wagon was repainted in the same livery as before.[8] In summer 1997 the other side of the roof canvas also required repair, which was carried out at minimal cost by using an offcut from the new canvas fitted to another Mink A, 101961. Some additional work was also carried out to prevent door lintels from fouling the tops of the doors, and the opportunity was taken for a further quick repaint.[9]
By 2011 the patched roof canvas had suffered further splits, allowing water to damage the roof planks underneath. Several roof planks were replaced and the roof re-canvassed. The wagon was again painted in as-built grey livery with 25in lettering, as seen in the 2012 picture below.
93016 in 2012
93016 has regularly featured in the SVR's Demonstration Goods Train, including an appearance in the 2018 Goods Gala train as seen below.
2018 Goods Gala train
See also
References
Links
- 93016 on www.gwr813.org
- 93016 on Railway Heritage Register On-Line
- A Beginner's Guide to GWR wagon brakes by Jim Champ (includes details on DC III brakes)