LMS 476401 Open Wagon

LMS 476401 Open Wagon
LMS 476401 Open Wagon.jpg
LMS Open Wagon 476401 with crane
Built By LMS Derby
Status Stored
Number 476401
Other Numbers ADM 476401
History
Built 1944-45
Diagram D2101
Lot 1364
Type 4-w 3-plank open
Capacity 13 tons
Telegraphic code MEDFIT
TOPS code OMV
Brakes vacuum fitted
1990 Arrived on SVR

Goods Wagons

LMS Open Wagon 476401 with crane

This LMS drop-sided wagon was built circa 1944-45 at Derby. Initially these wagons may have been used for moving small pieces of military equipment, but post-War were mainly used for moving containers, the drop-sides removing the need for chaining these down unlike ordinary flat wagons such as the “Conflat”. The wagons were vaccum-fitted, and were given the telegraph code 'MEDFIT'.[1]

While still in service, 476401 was later fitted with a small 'Python' pedestal crane[2] to assist Carriage and Wagon repair teams carrying out wagon wheel changes ‘in the field’. This crane can still be seen on the wagon today.

The wagon was moved to the SVR arriving 20 December 1990 from the fledgling Southall Railway Preservation Centre by owner J.J. Smith, along with several other wagons including Brake Van 955243.[1] In 1991 it was used to transport the axle and wheels of 55577 to Bridgnorth for tyre turning after the wheel profiles were damaged during the Autumn Steam Gala.[3] It received an overhaul in 1992 involving complete replacement of the body planks and renewal of the concrete fill around the base of the crane. It was subsequently used on several other occasions for the movement of wheels.[4]

As of 2020 the wagon and crane have spent some years stored at the Stourport Triangle awaiting overhaul.

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition
  2. SVR News 98
  3. SVR News 102
  4. SVR News 107
  • Railway Heritage Register Wagon Survey states build date as 1944
  • Stock Book states build date as 1945

Links