Civils wagons

Looking at some 1960s photos of Grampus, Mermaids etc.
Besides the lettering for Es etc indicating Engineers Dept Southern and variations for Eastern, North Eastern etc
There is frequently in a circle Co what does this mean and did it apply to all regions ?
I have seen it on Southern and Western vehicles but do not recollect it on North Eastern.
Thanks in advance

 

Do you have a picture of one that can be looked at?

 

Not on computer but if you are near a WH Smiths or similar.
Take a look at the current issue of "British Railways Illustrated" under "Wonderful wagons"
The grampus in the article and the mermaid both carry the letterring in question.

I ask because we are currently near completion of a pair of grampus wagons for the civils fleet at the NYMR at Newbridge yard.

 

Just had a look in "British Railway Goods Wagons in colour" by Robert Hendry and there is a picture of one.

The description includes the following: "Apart from the design, which copied the GWR stock, the 'CO' in a circle is a reminder of the Great Western branding of wagons used on construction work".

Regards
Brian Hallett

 

Thanks Brian
That means we don't have to add the markings to our wagons.

 

I've also found a couple more pictures in some books I have on GWR wagons, so it looks to be a GWR thing. Prior to the CO in a circle they used to paint the word CONSTRUCTION on either the side or end of the wagon and some even have a cast plate saying CONSTRUCTION fixed to the solebar.

 

The only exception I have seen is a photo in the article showing a Southern allocated "Mermaid" with CO painted on.
Unless this had been a recent transfer and hadn't been fully repainted.