The carrying capacity of 12 Ton open wagons was increased to 13 Tons during the Second World War. This wagon
continued in service with British Railways until 1958/59, when it was withdrawn and sold to the Port of Bristol
Authority, being renumbered PBA 59542. It was purchased from Bristol for the Bluebell Railway by the Late Charles
Pyne and Pete Reid, arriving in June 1981.
The PBA kept no record of the original numbers of their wagons, but we know that this one is SR built
(i.e post-Grouping) as the solebars are drilled to take only a larger oval SR numberplate. However, as it was
intended that the wagon should re-enter service at the SECR Centenary Weekend in August 1999, it was repainted
in SECR dark-grey livery and an appropriate SECR number (close to its PBA one) was chosen and applied. 5542 was
one of a lot of 600 built at Ashford Works (Kent) in 1920/21. The photo above shows the new wagon sheet, lettered in original SECR style, fitted in 2022.
PBA 59542 in its condition prior to restoration, Richard Salmon
As can be seen from the photo, the wagon was missing its "cupboard" doors when it arrived and much of the remaining
door ironwork ultimately, required replacement. Perhaps when 16358 is rebuilt
and restored, this wagon will be repainted and renumbered as a SR vehicle.....?
An appropriate number has been chosen; this being SR 28542, which was one of 500 built as part of order number A28 at Ashford Works.
It was completed in February 1926 and was withdrawn in March 1959.
Recommended reading:
An Illustrated History of Southern Wagons - Volume Three, by Messrs. Bixley, Blackburn, Chorley and King;
published by The Oxford Publishing Company, 2000.
ISBN 086093 4934.
This book may be available from the Bluebell Railway shop.