Wagon contractors

[spikey]

As in PO wagons branded "Joe Bloggs & Co Wagon Contractors" or whatever.   I've always assumed that these belonged to companies that leased wagons (short-term?) to smaller firms that weren't bothered about not having their own branding on "their" wagons.  But is that right?

[Compound2632]

Could well be wagons on short term hire. The major builders had as much business in leasing as building. 

 

Alternatively, these could be wagons photographed to illustrate catalogues or advertising material - I'm thinking of a Gloucester photo showing a line up of different standard sizes they built. In which case, such wagons would not be seen in traffic.

 

Are there any photos of such wagons "in the wild"?

 

This Birmingham RC&W Co. wagon is clearly in a "photographic" livery, with grey ironwork below the solebar. 

Edited September 8, 2019 by Compound2632

[spikey]

1 hour ago, Compound2632 said:

This Birmingham RC&W Co. wagon is clearly in a "photographic" livery, with grey ironwork below the solebar. 

 

And I'm now wondering about that pentagram, which obviously had completely different connotations in those days!

[Compound2632]

57 minutes ago, spikey said:

 

And I'm now wondering about that pentagram, which obviously had completely different connotations in those days!

 

One explanation here: 

I'm fairly sure I've seen it elsewhere.

 

 

[Dave John]

Garishly panted wagons for builders publicity purposes ?  

 

 

I really fancy doing one in CR blue livery just for fun. 

 

( sorry if it is copyrighted somewhere , but its been about on emails and stuff so I don't think it is )