Prototype Brake Vans - Queen Mary plus a couple of others

[Rob Pulham]

We were away for the weekend and decided to finish it off with a trip to Shildon to see if the two visiting A4's were still there (which they were - photos on my Flickr site for anyone who is interested).

Outside were a selection of brake vans including a Southern Queen Mary which I have only seen in model form until now.

There are higher resolution shots on my Flickr site

 

[Rob Pulham]

And some more....

 

[Rob Pulham]

And the last of them...

 

[iploffy]

The Queen Mary brake has a emergency guards brake fitted to one end only I wonder if this is a permanent fixture or is it removable to be able to use it the other end. I can see them having to turn it to use it. And the last shot of the ballast weights on the std brake van being built in what a little gem that is, I wonder why they did it and what traffic It was used for.

 

[Steph Dale]

The Queen Mary brake has a emergency guards brake fitted to one end only I wonder if this is a permanent fixture or is it removable to be able to use it the other end. I can see them having to turn it to use it. And the last shot of the ballast weights on the std brake van being built in what a little gem that is, I wonder why they did it and what traffic It was used for.

Ian,
Both the brake valve and boxing-in of the 20-tonner are related to their use within the museum for carrying passengers.
Unfortunately it's just another case where a preservation-era photo doesn't reflect the service history of the vehicle in question...
Steph

 

[iploffy]

Ahhhhh right Ho ta mate

 

[Dave Bowden]

Nice Photos Rob, I've also looked at your flickr photos as well, very nice. Is the QM van the same one as the one from NRM York or are there two?

I've just started a flickr page, so having seen yours has given me the incentive to put more of mine on!

Dave

 

[Rob Pulham]

Hi Dave,

Sorry I haven't seen the QM at York but to be honest I don't visit York as often as Shildon.

Bizarrely I live quite close to York (north side of Wakedfield) but I have only ever visited the NRM from Saltburn and find that Shildon is much more convenient to Saltburn. I think that this is because when I am in Saltburn its leisure time and the fact that I can park just outside making access for my wife much easier and less tiring than park and ride.

Please post a link to your Flickr site when you have it sorted.

 

[Steph Dale]

Guys,
I think it is the same one. There weren't that many Queen Marys with full sheeting and I think the one at York was the same...
I'll check my lists when I get the chance and try to get back to you.
Stephen