GWR Mess Van No 215 Liza
This interesting and historic vehicle was designed by the GWR’s William Dean and completed at Swindon in 1900 as first / second class composite coach No 8. It had four compartments, two first class and two second class, the former being noticeably longer. Throughout its life, it underwent many changes of number and use. In 1907, it became No 6008 and, in 1938, No 747, at which stage it was downgraded to a workmen’s all third class coach for use on miners’ trains in Wales. Evidence has been found of the wording ‘Ruabon – Dolgelly’ on its solebar. In 1946, it was converted into a mess and tool van, when it lost its compartments, and was used as part of the Newton Abbot breakdown train until withdrawal and purchase for preservation in 1968. A much loved coach, it spent many years at Staverton as a volunteers’ mess and tool van from which several gallons of tea were dispensed for loco crews on gala days. She was named Liza. She was sold sometime in the 1990s but has since returned home, thankfully, and is now protected against the weather, awaiting rebuilding and restoration.
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Liza in the bay at Staverton in the 1970s |
