No 105781 - 'Cone' Gunpowder Van

‘Cone’ was the GWR telegraphic code for a Gunpowder Van. These were dust-proof vans built of steel sheet and lined internally with wood and up to a height of several feet with lead sheeting.  All interior nails and fittings were of brass or copper.  Great care was taken to ensure that even in closing or opening the doors there was no chance of steel contacting steel and generating a spark as all door fittings were of brass.

105781 was one of 25 similar wagons built to diagram Z4 in 1939. This vehicle was originally preserved by the late David Rawlinson, who based it initially at Steamport, Southport and then at Preston Dock. On his death it was bequeathed to the Great Western Society and moved to the Railway Age at Crewe in March 2004 where restoration was started under the auspices of the Society's North West Group. The vehicle was moved to Didcot in October 2008.

The underframe and running gear are in generally sound condition, but the upper body, is in poor condition and will require substantial restoration. In the meantime it was given a cosmetic and protective coat of paint in Spring 2021 and lettered in Spring 2022.

Build date

1939

Built at

GWR Swindon

Lot Number

1346

Diag No

Z.4

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