Van 4
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
| Van 4 | |
 | |
|---|---|
| Martin Ellis | |
| Built By | Gloucester Wagon Co. |
| Designation | Guard / Observation |
| History | |
| Date Built | 1880 |
| Operating | Heritage Fleet |
| Carriages | |
[edit]Background
This carriage was constructed as a bogie luggage brake van by Gloucester Wagon Co. It was originally numbered Van 4 and had no passenger accomodation. It was rebuilt in Boston Lodge in 1929/30 with a new body, incorporating a guard's compartment and passenger accomodation in 1st and 3rd class. Van 5 (Carriage 12) was treated similarly.
It was one of the two carriages first restored for use when the railway reopened, and there are early references (FRM NL/05) to this vehicle as Coach 11 and Van 11
In 1957/58 it was rebuilt again, this time involving conversion to an observation car.
It has been restored in the green and ivory livery carried in the 1950's and early 1960's, and in 2005 returned to its original identity of Van 4.
*Date: 1962 *Photo: Ron Fisher ref R788
*Date: 22nd July 1990 *Photo: Roger Marks
*Date: Unknown *Photo: FR Co.
*Date: Unknown *Photo: Martin Ellis
In 2007 it was officially transferred to the Heritage fleet. As such, it will no longer be used in normal regular service, but will remain available for occasional use, and on heritage trains.