Dereham Toad refreshed
A GWR Toad brake van which has resided in the Eastern Region for several years has benefited from a refurbishment. Mid-Norfolk Railway-based No. 17438 has received attention to its bodywork, including the fitting of new oak timbers and a repaint into GWR dark grey, replacing the lighter grey it previously carried. The interior is set up as accommodation currently and is used by the owners, James and Chris Francis-Beck when working at the railway. Mr Francis-Beck said: “Since buying the brake van in 2012, we have been looking to restore and make it comfortable but also for it to be a useful asset. We are confident we have achieved this so far, but there is more work to be done.” The vacuum fitted brake van is in regular use by the railway for weed killing trains on the line with the large veranda making it particularly suitable. Built at Swindon in 1940 to Diagram AA21 as Lot 370, No. 17438 was originally deployed on special perishable trains between Weymouth and Marazion. It was later used by BR as a mess van during the rebuild of Liverpool Street station.