No 923235 - 30T Bogie Bolster C

Bogie Bolster C wagons were the most numerous type built by BR with a total of almost 5,700 being constructed between 1949 and 1962. All were 45ft long over headstocks and the final 1400, which included 923235, were built with vacuum brakes. A bogie bolster wagon is designed to carry long thin items such as timber, rails, steel sections, etc. The load is carried longitudinally and borne by three or more bolsters (baulks of timber) fixed transversely. Sometimes loads were constrained sideways by movable metal stanchions, fitted into the ends of the bolsters, but were always secured with chains and shackles or straps.

923235 was built in 1961 as part of BR order Lot No. 3341 to design 1/477 by Swindon Carriage & Wagon Works, who constructed 200 vehicles in this batch numbered 923100 to 923299. It runs on two Gloucester C&W designed diamond frame bogies fitted with roller bearings. As built 923235 weighed 18 Tons 2 cwt empty.

The wagon was eventually transferred to departmental service, with the Signal & Telegraph section, being re-numbered KDB 923235. It was found at Reading Carriage & Wagon sidings and purchased by the Southern Catering Project Group [SCPG] in February 2003 and subsequently moved to the Swanage Railway. For a period it was used to carry the frames of Bulleid pacific 34010 'Sidmouth'.

It is our intention to overhaul this wagon to a standard such that it can run on Network Rail as part of our trip workings to Didcot West Yard to bring materials on and off site as part of our 'mainline' fleet. This will at the very least require a bogie overhaul, and a coat of paint wouldn't come amiss either!

With thanks to Peter Sykes for Historical information.

Build date

1961

Built at

Swindon Carriage & Wagon Works

Original railway

British Railways

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