KRM preserving sole survivors
The collection at Kidderminster Railway Museum includes vehicles which are now unique.
VOLUNTEERS from Kidderminster Railway Museum (KRM) have been transforming the appearance of goods wagons which are displayed outside.
Based in the 1878-built twostorey former GWR grain and wool warehouse adjoining the Severn Valley Railway’s (SVR) Kidderminster Town station, the museum is run by an independent charitable trust – although it works closely with the SVR.
Four historic vehicles have been the subject of attention, complementing the restored GWR Wrangton signalbox, all of which can be viewed from the pedestrian access route from the SVR car park to the station.
Looking particularly smart is a four-wheeled seven-plank open which has been restored as a private owner wagon in the livery of Chalford-based coal merchant James H. Smart & Sons.
Signwriting has been applied by former Gloucestershire and England cricketer Jack Russell MBE. The wagon formerly worked at British Sugar, Foley Park.
A crane has also been receiving attention, which is believed to be GWR No. 601 that was originally built for the Bristol & Exeter Railway as a broad gauge vehicle, before being converted to standard gauge. It awaits the fitting of wooden decking to finish.
Currently surrounded by scaffolding is GWR No. 14984, the sole-surviving iron-bodied six-wheeled workshop van, built for the GWR Signal Department. Having previously resided at Tyseley, the van moved to the KRM in 2019. All the steel bodywork has since been replaced, although it is currently bolted in place pending riveting. Replacement hardwood windows and doors have been made and await fitting upon completion of the metalwork.
Another now unique vehicle on site is GWR Toad No. 40362, a workshop van. Reflecting its role assisting the permanent way gangs as a mess and tool van, unlike a typical Toad the open veranda was boarded in with two small windows included at the front – along with a split stable door arrangement.
A new roof is currently in the process of being fitted and a lot of work has been carried out on the interior. It is hoped to turn attention to the exterior bodywork next year when the weather improves.