GWR 89 Riding/Dormitory Van
| GWR 89 Riding/Dormitory Van | |
|---|---|
 GWR Riding and Dormitory Van 89 | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| Number | 89 |
| Other Numbers | DW 89[1] |
| History | |
| Built | 1908 |
| Lot | 580 |
| Type | 4-w riding/dormitory van |
| Telegraphic code | n/a |
| 1972 | Arrived on SVR |
| 2021 | Acquisition by the Great Western (SVR) Association |
GWR Riding/Dormitory Van DW89 is a 4-wheel vehicle built at Swindon in 1908. In service these ran paired with 6-wheel Tool vans such as DW141, and were stationed at GWR loco sheds. The Tool and Riding Van pairs would be required to attend mishaps as fast as possible and were vacuum-braked to allow running at near express speeds.
Preservation[edit | edit source]
Tool van DW141 and riding van DW89 were paired in service and based at Exeter.[2] DW89 arrived on the SVR from Worcester on 29 January 1972.[3]
Following the death of long-time owner Pete Simpson, agreement was reached in 2021 with the administrators of his estate for the van to be acquired by the Great Western (SVR) Association.[4] The Association then sorted through the bequeathed material and tool, much of which they could utilise. From 2022 restoration started to provide a mess van for the Association's volunteers as GWR 98 Full Brake has insufficient space both for that purpose and as a workshop vehicle and store.[5] Updates are issued on the website and GW(SVR)A Facebook (private group) pages.
It is situated in Bewdley Down Yard.