On course for brake van rides at Fimber
Restored British Railways van to help transform Yorkshire Wolds Railway visitor experience.
THE next major stage of development at the embryonic Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR) will be to offer brake van rides – which it is hoped will be in place for the 2023 season.
Based near the village of Fimber,
East Yorkshire, the YWR is rebuilding a section of the Malton and Driffield Junction Railway. Up to now, visitors have been able to experience a cab ride in a diesel loco, GEC Traction 165hp 0-40DH (5576 of 1979) Sir Tatton Sykes.
Restoration of the line’s BR 20T brake van took a major step forward on September 28 when it was re-wheeled.
Built at Ashford in 1963,
No. B955043 previously resided at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Winchcombe and was owned by Andrew Goodman.
Since arriving at Fimber in August 2018, the van has undergone a thorough restoration, transforming it from its tired as withdrawn main line condition to a vehicle fit to safely carry members of the public.
“We have worked outside beneath a temporary timber and tarpaulin structure,” said Andy Barwick, a YWR volunteer.
“One of our volunteers is a former shipwright so has both metal and woodworking skills. All the step board brackets were bent on one side and some boards were missing – perhaps indicative that the van had been in a collision at some point.”
Mechanically, the axles have been ultrasonically tested and no major issues have been found with the underframe.
With the van having been off its wheels for two years, Mr Barwick described the rewheeling as a ‘Milestone’. The main springs will be fitted next, followed by the brake rigging.
“We have replaced the horn linings and axlebox linings. That was the main reason for dropping the wheels out – but at the same time, it makes the task of sandblasting and painting the chassis easier,” explained Mr Barwick.
Two replacement buffers are currently being sought.
As for the body, a well-known issue with this type of van is the duckets – fortunately, they were serviceable and have been repaired by the YWR.
Mr Barwick continued: “The base cross timbers and solebars were bolted onto the frames with concrete poured in. We had to dig out the rotten timber. We have replaced circa 70% of the wood in the base and verandas. Only the cladding boards were good enough to retain – except down by the floor.
“The interior is pretty much done. We will fit a stove pipe shortly – once the roof covering is on. We are currently deciding whether to use traditional canvas or a manmade covering for the roof.”
The van, which is to be through piped for air and vacuum, is being finished in BR freight brown livery.
“We use Williamsons paint – it is the best in our experience,” added Mr Barwick.
“I have worked on ‘A4’ Sir Nigel Gresley and a diesel shunter, but this is my first wagon. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Carriage & Wagon Department and Tim Hobman at the Nene Valley Railway Wagon Group have been most helpful. It’s important to work together.”
In a remark which will strike a chord with fellow heritage line volunteers, Mr Barwick concluded: “The thing I have learned is just how much you can spend on paint – money just disappears!”