WD 55577 Brake Van (fictitious number)
This 25 ton capacity Brake Van was built by the Southern Railway’s Ashford Works in 1942 for the War Department, hence the designated telegraphic code ‘Pillbox’. Its registration number was WD(S) 1021, and first wagon number was WD 11035, later ARMY 49010.[1]
Contents
Service
Although designed and built by the Southern Railway, 49010 never saw service with the SR or BR. It was based at the Longmoor Military Railway until closure in 1969, when it moved to the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Bedenham, Gosport.[2]
Preservation
Following the 2007 Storm Damage, 55577 was used as brake van on the 'Drain high pressure train' working between Bewdley and Northwood Halt. The train also involved Class 08 "Gladys", Esso Oil Tank Wagon 2686 acting as a water bowser, and a flat wagon with pump equipment.[3]
In March 2015 the wagon was photographed adjacent to Kidderminster Carriage Shed where it was awaiting an overhaul. This began in October 2015, being carried out by the Wagon Department in Bewdley Goods Shed,[4] and was completed in September 2017 in time for the wagon to be used in the 2017 Autumn Steam Gala.
Donor brake van 55577
