Restoration of vandalised brake van on right track

AN arson-hit 1940s railway brake van in Angus is getting ready to rise from the ashes following global backing.

Volunteers spent £5,000 and four months restoring the 1949 LMS brake van and work was completed in December 2014. The vehicle went back into use almost straight away but its new lease of life was short-lived when it was set alight in April 2016.

Brechin’s Caledonian Railway set up the Rebuild the Brechin Brake Van appeal to help raise funds to contribute towards the cost of the restoration.

A spokesman said: “The volunteers were shocked and angered by this mindless act of vandalism but vowed to not let it get them down.

“Upon posting the devastating news to our Facebook page, we were inundated with offers of support from the wider community. The volunteers were very thankful for the kind response and set up the Rebuild the Brechin Brake Van Appeal with the aim of raising enough funds to allow this muchloved piece of history to be brought back to life.

“After receiving donations from places as far away as Perth in Australia and Houston, Texas, plans were set about earlier this year to begin the rebuild. Work began in May with the remains of the old wood and fire-damaged metalwork removed to allow the steel frame to be assessed and cleaned up. Now, after three months of hard work, the Brechin brake van is starting to look herself once again.”

It is hoped to have the brake van completed by December and put on display in the station area during the Santa Specials. It would then be put back to work afterwards.