Van No. 132 aka 'The Cavell Van'

The K&ESR have launched an appeal to raise £35,000 to restore this van that carried the bodies of three significant figures of WWI. They hope to have it restored by November 10th 2010, exactly 90 years since it carried the remains of 'The Unknown Warrior'. Full story here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8393192.stm

 

Interesting that Matt. Of course I have known about this vehicle for years , however you might be interested to know that SECR 133 is on the Bluebell at HK parked next to the LMS sleepers and used as a workshop, and SECR 134 is being restored by the wagon group on the Mid-Hants railway at Medstead.

Regards
Chris

 

A very worthwhile cause. Shame there are so many at the moment. If post Xmas funds permit I shall make a small donation.

 

At least this one will get restored rather than donating its underframe to build some 4 wheeled chicken shed

 

Make that two, one on the Mid-Hants and another at the KESR.

Number three on the Bluebell is already operational, all three are SECR.

Also on the Mid-Hants PMV 1851, CCT 1765 and CCT 1768 have all been restored within the last four years and are all operational.

Regards
Chris

 

Excellent news Chris, I do like a nice van or two in a train

 

Me too, bags of atmosphere.

BTW any news on the Cavell van please?

Regards
Chris

 

The appeal is underway, that is as much as I know!!
I guess we just wait now for enough money to start the work.

 

I must say that £50,000,00 pounds seems an awful lot , but I guess you would be putting the work out to a contractor for a quick turnaround.
The SECR van number 134 has a budget of £3000 Pounds , but then we have scrounged all the ironmongery, made our own chalk boards etc and putting a two inch thick plywood floor to keep the costs low.

Now shall I start a livery debate on what colour it should be?

Regards
Chris

 

I think the appeal is for 30k which should cover a complete overhaul top and bottom and the creation of the display area inside. Hopefully it will be a good job, this van is historically important not only for the roles it played but also the fact it is the prototype van.
As for livery froth I'll start off with BR blue

 

Nah far too drab, I think that NSE livery would be better, and I have the paint in store,
HMMMMMMMMMMM

Seriously though I would have thought that SECR dark brown or maroon would be OK?


Regards
Chris

 

No to BR Blue!

The fact you mentioned previously it's historical importance then a historical livery should be applied IMO. Chris's suggestions would seem appropiate. Off course it's up to the owners, at least the vehicle has a future which is the main thing for any prototype.

The other SECR vehicles to this dia [960]
152 4w Parcel Misc Van Gwili Railway G Ashford 1922 [960] (Un) DS747/1993
153 4w Parcel Misc Van Bluebell Railway BN Ashford 1922 [960] s/v DS70031
154 4w Parcel Misc Van Mid Hants Railway G Ashford 1922 [960] u/r Medstead DS792/1995
155 4w Parcel Misc Van Mangapps Railway Museum BN Ashford 1922 [960] b/o s/v conv Control Train Generator Van 1996/DS70165
177 4w Parcel Misc Van Rother Valley Railway G Ashford 1922 [960] DS1035/2012/KESR89

There's also a 4w CCT (267) at Hope Farm, Sellindge and a 6w Guard Luggage Van (719) at the Bluebell.
Steve



Steve

 

The blue really was a joke Steve, don't panic!!!
The van is in (faded) brown at the mo. Not sure if it will still carry this when finished, I think livery discussions are still a little way off yet.

 

Panic over!!!
I'll reinstate the K&ESR as a place to visit next year.
Steve