Brecon & Merthyr goods brake vans

[NeilB]

Some while ago, thanks to assistance given through this forum, I was able to build a 7mm scale model of a double-ended Brecon & Merthyr goods brake van [see photo].

I would be interested to know whether the B&M owned brake vans of another design, particularly in the early twentieth century in the years before the Great War. I understand that in the company's later years at least one second-hand Midland single-ended ten ton van was obtained; but were there other types and do details of these survive?

Neil Burgess

[Newport_rod]

Neil

That looks like a well-proportioned model Neil (and a lot better than my attempt in 4mm). Did you base it on the Mike Lloyd Drawing or some other source?

Rod

[NeilB]

Thanks, Rod; it was indeed the Mike Lloyd drawing.

Am I right in thinking the B&M bought at least one former Midland 10-ton brake? I'm sure I've read that somewhere, but it doesn't appear in Bob Essery's Mildland wagons books, so I'm unsure of the source - assuming it's correct.

Neil

[cambrian51]

Hello Neil,
According to the wagon registers, the B&M certainly acquired two ex-MR brake vans. The late, great Harold Morgan reckoned that they were purchased towards the end of WW1 or just after. I don't know what he based that on. The B&M running numbers were 128 and 163. The former was condemned at Swindon w/e 17.5.24. It is noted as having a vacuum through pipe. The latter was renumbered 68973 at Swindon w/e 5.5.23. It was condemned w/e 29.12.23, place unknown. The records are a little hazy regarding brake van no.100. The B&M register shows it as being second-hand. The GW register shows it as ex-MR. It was condemned at Swindon w/e 25.2.23.
Hope that this helps.
Regards,
Stephen

[NeilB]

Most helpful, thanks. It also confirms my impression that it may have been late on in the B&M's existence, but I note your uncertainty about the source.

[Newport_rod]

were there other types and do details of these survive?

Good news - yes and yes
Bad news - very scanty info

This is the best photo I can find. Taken in the Merthyr area just after the grouping at the end of a train being hauled by a Class 1 saddle tank carrying GWR numberplates.

BMR GBV002.jpg

and on that evidence I built this GBV - on the basis that a GBV of doubtful authenticity is better than no GBV.

Photo0877 GBV crop.jpg

[NeilB]

Thanks Rod; and sorry to take so long to acknowledge your post - work does get in the way of things! You didn't by any chance make a note of the [estimated?] dimensions of this van?

Neil

[Newport_rod]

You didn't by any chance make a note of the [estimated?] dimensions of this van? Neil

Neil, it's taken a while but I have the van in my hands now and here are the dimensions of the 4mm scale model with prototype equivalents

Length over body/headstocks 66mm - 16'6"
External width over body 33mm - 8'3"
External height of body at sides (excl solebar/headstocks) 25mm - 6'3"
External height of body at highest point on the ends (excl solebar/headstocks) 27mm - 6'9"
Wheelbase 40mm - 10'

My model was based on the D&S Great Central goods brake van kit and I inserted vertical planking to fill in the verandah at one end (that was a very fiddly job). However if I were starting now I think I'd use the Taff Vale/Dragon Models Cambrian Railways/G.W.R. Metropolitan RC & W Brake Van as a basis.

Rod

[NeilB]

Thanks Rod, most helpful; I think there's enough there to justify an attempt in 7mm scale!

Neil