| LNER 223162 Mineral Wagon | |
|---|---|
 LNER Ballast Wagon 223162 | |
| Built By | LNER Darlington |
| Status | Static display |
| Number | Highley Mining Co 162 (fictitious) |
| Other Numbers | 223162, BSC 25, Ynisarwed 557 (fictitious) |
| History | |
| Built | 1938 |
| Type | 4w 7-plank Tippler |
| 1971 | Arrived on SVR |
| 1973 | Filmed for "Carrie's War" |
| 1990 | Overhauled |
| 2007 | Cosmetic restoration |
Contents
Service
In 1941, 223162 was was one of 200 which the LNER converted into open wagons by removing the top two planks above the side doors. The wagon was later sold to the British Sugar Corporation at Foley Park where it was numbered 25. BSC donated 7 open wagons to the SVR in 1969 and a further two, including No 25, in 1971[2].
Preservation
The wagon was moved from Foley Park onto the SVR on 15 May 1971. In 1973 it was painted in the fictitious private owner livery of ‘Ynisarwed, Swansea No 557’ for filming of the BBC series "Carrie's War". It was then sheeted over and used to store locomotive spares at Bridgnorth, which helped protect the wooden frame and kept it in reasonable condition.
In summer 1990 the wagon was selected for overhaul in order to be used in that year's Freight weekend. The overhaul required a new floor and the replacement of one kerb rail and a number of planks in the sides, ends and doors. It was also repainted into original LNER grey livery with a diagonal stripe,[3] although the modification of the planks being removed above the side doors was retained[4].
By 2007 223612 was considered unlikely to run again in general service and best suited for indoor display. It was therefore overhauled in Kidderminster Carriage Works in preparation for the forthcoming opening of The Engine House. The floor and one end of the wagon were still in good condition, but the timber in both sides and one end door was scrap while the iron bracing was also corroded and buckled.[5] Repairs were duly completed and the opportunity was also taken to convert it back to a mineral wagon by reinstating the planks above the side doors. Finally it was repainted in the livery of the 'Highley Mining Company', carrying the fictitious number 162 (the last 3 digits of the works number). As of 2018[update], it remains on display in The Engine House.