HISTORY was made at the embryonic YorkshireWolds Railway (YWR) on September 17 when a restored brake van was ceremonially launched into public service at 11.30 – after which brake rides officially started, a new experience for visitors to the line.
Up to now, members of the public have been able to enjoy a cab ride in a diesel loco, GECTraction 165hp 0-4-0DH (5576 of 1979) Sir Tatton Sykes. Based near the village of Fimber, EastYorkshire, theYWR is rebuilding a section of the Malton and Driffield Junction Railway.
As reported in RM November 2022, BR 20T brake van No. B955043 previously resided at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and was owned by Andrew Goodman. Since arriving at Fimber in August 2018, the van has undergone a thorough restoration.
Andy Barwick of the restoration team said at the launch:“None of the existing members at theYWR had any previous experience of restoring a railway wagon, so advice was sought from other heritage railway experts, relating to the overhaul of the safety critical components and to obtain engineering drawings.The restoration team grew, and a plan was put together in order to ensure that things happened in the correct order.The team which consisted of skilled and unskilled volunteers, was entirely self-managed and work normally took place on a Wednesday.The team worked very well together, and we are very proud of what we have achieved on such a small railway, which started with very little in the way of engineering facilities.”