Passenger Van Stock

Railway companies had a need for vehicles fitted with continuous brakes designed to run with passenger coaches at passenger train speed. The pre-grouping companies had a range of such vehicles to meet every traffic requirement. The Southern Railway eliminated the need for multifarious types by introducing two basic vehicles, a luggage van and a general utility van based on a design originating from the South Eastern and Chatham Railway. They were used to carry virtually anything, from milk in churns to circus elephants. Their main use was to convey parcels, perishable goods and other merchandise where speedy conveyance to destinations was essential. The SR design underframes have been in demand by preservation groups for use with recovered four wheel coach bodies. The K&ESR currently has six examples of SECR/SR and one van of LMS design.