Wagon Division formed at Minehead

A GWR brake van has become the first beneficiary of the attentions of the West Somerset Railway’s (WSR) newly formed ‘Wagon Division’. The group aims to recreate a typical 1940s goods train. Scott Barnes, group leader of WSR Wagon Division said: “Our first project is the GWR 813 Preservation Fund owned diagram AA20 Toad brake van No. 68765. Work started on August 6 when a start was made on sanding one of the sides. I also painted a small section as a test panel. It was amazing to see how faded the brake van had become after six years of use.” A new door has also been made thanks to the Restoration and Maintenance Squad at Bishops Lydeard. The van also received mechanical attention. “The finish line is now in sight,” added Scott. “A few more working parties should hopefully see our first project done and dusted.” Members of the team have already set their sights on the next project: GWR Z3 ‘cone’ gunpowder van 105493, also owned by the GWR 813 Preservation Fund.