Embsay is your Oyster!
Versatile LMS brake van restored to its former glory.
THE sole surviving LMS
Oyster brake van is now fit to undertake all duties required of it at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, after the final details were finished in early February.
Built by Cravens in 1932,
No. 197266 can operate both as a ‘traditional’ brake van and also as a ballast plough, making it a valuable vehicle for permanent way duties. According to the Vintage Carriages Trust database, other Oysters are located at East Lancs, Yeovil Railway Centre and
North Norfolk – but they are BR examples built by RY Pickering in 1950.
Aaron Marsden, carriage and wagon manager told The RM: “First preserved as part of the National Collection, the Oyster came to the railway to plough the Bolton Abbey extension about 20 years ago. Restoration started but was paused approximately 15 years ago. Work resumed in 2021 – fortunately, it was stored undercover during the intervening period. It is now an invaluable vehicle for the railway.” Restoration recommenced as part of efforts to complete unfinished projects. The visit of Cockerill 0-4-0VBT Lucy from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway last year provided further impetus. While the Oyster was used with Lucy, tasks including painting the interior and exterior lettering were forced to wait. Efforts to complete the van have included fitting duckets, recanvassing the roof, fitting new footsteps, painting, applying the lettering and varnishing. The outside has been finished in LMS freight grey, while the interior is in blood and custard. The stove was lit for the first time since restoration on February 11. The ploughs are expected to be used when half a mile of track is relaid next year. With the latter in mind, attention is now turning to two Grampus open wagons. Having been shotblasted, they are being fitted with steel floors, making them more robust for the carriage of concrete sleepers.