GWR Parcels Train Brake Van No 276
276 is a parcels train brake van that was built in 1945 at Swindon. It has a guard’s compartment and two luggage compartments. 276 was withdrawn from normal service in 1975 and became part of the Old Oak Common Depot breakdown train in London. At this time, it was gutted and fitted with a chequer plate floor because it was used to carry jacks, packing and specialist equipment for re-railing trains. It was purchased for preservation by members of the South Devon Railway Association’s London & Home Counties Group who have painstakingly restored it to its original condition. Having first been turned out GWR chocolate and cream, it now carries early BR carmine and cream (or blood and custard) livery and its BR number, W276W. 276’s most famous incarnation is as ‘Santa’s Grotto’ on the annual Santa by Steam trains. A page on 276's restoration is here.
|
|
