Brake Vans

Shark Ballast Plough & Brake Van DB993856

Built: 1959
Status: In Service

Used to spread track ballast after it has been laid, as well as a guards brake van on engineers trains. In 2014 a restoration was started, and was finished and outshopped in a matt black livery in time for our 150th Anniversary event in April 2015; more recently it has been finished off in full BR Engineer's Gloss Black. The brake van is used on engineering trains and, infrequently, on Brake Van rides at some gala events. 

Shark Ballast Plough & Brake Van DB993760

Built: 1954
Status: Undergoing Restoration

As with DB993856, once restored this vehicle will also be used for engineering and demonstration freight trains, as well as infrequent brake van rides.

 

British Railways Standard 20T Brake Van B955096

Built: 1962 (Ashford)
Status: Awaiting Restoration 

Once a common sight at the end of every freight train across the network, this van ended its life being used by London Transport to act as guards van when transferring its Heritage fleet around the Underground network; it is now on long term loan to us from the London Transport Museum. The brake van was previously restored into its original BR (unfitted) light grey livery, complete with many original fittings. However, after many years in the open it is now in need of many new timbers and other structural work.