The Van Cs were used for the carriage of parcels, newspapers, and many other forms of general merchandise. Equipped with
facilities for a guard, including a hand brake, two periscopes to provide a view forward and, in this vehicle, a stove, they
were rated to run in passenger trains, but were also used on parcels trains.
Of very simple design, with the metal framing exposed, and planked on the inside, they are easy to maintain. A total of 250
were built between 1936 and 1941. Most of them were withdrawn from service between 1966 and 1978, but a few continued in
departmental use on BR right into the 1980s and early `90s.
This van survived as a match wagon for centre-buffer, three-link-coupled suburban Electric Multiple Units, and was thus not
rendered surplus until the withdrawal of the last of the EPB units. Brought to the Bluebell to be broken up to provide an
underframe for a vintage carriage body, it was decided that it was in better condition than No. 442, having received an overhaul
in 1990, and so would replace the latter as a preservation item.
During 2004 it received a new roof covering and a repaint, and the destination chalk-boards were re-instated.
In 2024 it became a store for the carriage shop, who paid for the materials for a bodywork overhaul which involved the replacement of many planks with new hardwood (Red Grandis), the Guards doors were made operational with repairs to door pillars, the roof again re-covered, new load and works plates cast in resin, and it received a complete repaint, as seen on the right (11 February 2024, Richard Salmon).
Type: Van C (Passenger Brake Van) - BR classification: BY
Built: 1937, underframe at Ashford, body at Eastleigh
Original No: 419
Other Nos: S419S, ADB 975548
Length: 36'
Weight: 16 Tons
Entered departmental service: 1976
Preserved: 1998
To Bluebell Railway: 17 June 1998
