041414
Photo details
- Doncaster South yard
- 4 August 1979
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Your comments
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Martin Allen
18 May 2009, 10:44:02
Now preserved at the NRM York, as S 56297. It usually operates at the rear of the Peter Allen Building (old goods shed) during event days, so you can get a ride in it, provided you don't mind waiting in line.
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Harold Nicolson
19 May 2009, 19:35:43
I was delighted to see this picture. I realised this vehicle better known as Queen Mary Brake Van and lovely restored SR livery now.
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Martin Allen
20 May 2009, 18:24:53
It is interesting to speculate why a freight yard would need an "internal user" brake van, unless it was for static use as a staff messroom or whatever. I know that there were two "Queen Marys" kept at Romford freight yard (Essex) for a few years in the late 70's, but they were in use as Incline Brakes and never received IU numbers, as far as I know. They were S 56302 and S 56304.
The "Queen Mary" nickname derives from their large size (compared with other freight brake vans) and their smooth riding qualities.
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peter Cummings
20 May 2009, 21:21:29
Judging by the grabs and ballast? in the background, it could well have been as mundane as ad-hoc mess facilities for the yard staff.
Leyton Yard in the 80s also used surplus DS Brakes (Pillboxes though) as anchors for wagon rakes. I guess this is the same function as you refer to - Incline Brakes. These too never got the IU treatment, but I presume there was always the off-chance that they might get a run out, so they stayed in capital stock.