Template:Featured picture/December 2010

Van 4 was constructed as a bogie luggage brake van by Gloucester Wagon Co. Originally it had no passenger accomodation. It was rebuilt in Boston Lodge in 1929/30 with a new body, incorporating a guard′s compartment and passenger accomodation in 1st and 3rd class. Van 5 (Carriage 12) was treated similarly. It was one of the two carriages first restored for use when the railway reopened, and there are early references (FRM NL/05) to this vehicle as Coach 11 and Van 11. In 1957/58 it was rebuilt again, this time involving conversion to an observation car. It has been restored in the green and ivory livery carried in the 1950s and early 1960s, and in 2005 returned to its original identity of Van 4. In 2007 it was officially transferred to the Heritage fleet. As such it is no longer be used in regular service but will remain available for occasional use and on heritage trains. It is seen here at Harbour Station during the Quirks and Curiosities event in May 2010. Photo credit: Ben Kelly Recently featured: Tryfan Junction – Lyd – Prince