8112 is one of a batch of 110 covered goods vans built at Eastleigh Carriage Works* in 1912. These were similar to previous designs with wooden bodies on steel underframes, of some 6 Tons tare weight, 10 tons capacity and with hand brake only (see 2773), but this batch had roofs some 7 inches higher.
8112, Richard Salmon
8112 was allocated Diagram No. 1406 and was renumbered 43241 by the SR in 1923. The van continued in traffic until 1st October 1955, when it was transferred to departmental stock as DS 43241. It was withdrawn on 18th April 1972 and purchased for preservation from Ashford (Kent) arriving on Bluebell on 15th July. The van was restored to LSWR livery as No. 8112 and ran in demonstration goods trains for some years. However, it is currently non-operational awaiting repairs to its underframe.
* The buildings which housed the Eastleigh Carriage Works still stand although they have been out of railway use since the 1960's, when carriage overhauls and repairs were undertaken in the former Loco Works.
Recommended reading:
An Illustrated History of Southern Wagons - Volume One: LSWR and S&DJR, by Messrs Bixley, Blackburn, Chorley, King and Newton.
First published by OPC, 1984. ISBN 0-086093-207-9
This book may be available new from the Bluebell Railway Shop.
A used copy may be available from the Carriage Shop at Horsted Keynes which is open most weekends.
Photo © Richard Salmon