New Cross Gate Brake Van allocations, traffic, and pools 1970s/80s

[Alex TM]

Hi everyone,

 

Although the following questions springs from markings on a model, it relates to a prototype feature of which I can find little to know information.

 

Allocations (1970s/80s):
The van was marked return to New Cross Gate - was this an allocation, in the same way as a locomtive, or was it to indicate traffic flow start/end points?

 

Pool Codes:
It carries the pool code 87603 - can anybody enlighten me as to what traffic this was?

 

New Cross Gate:
So far the only informaiton I can find relates to either the steam era or London Transport.  The vehicle in question is a BR Std 20t Brake - air piped.  What traffic originated from this location in the 70s/80s?

 

As ever, thanks for any answers or pointers to further information.

 

Regards,

 

Alex.

 

[Rivercider]

The number 87603 relates to the TOPS location number for New Cross Gate.

 

I have a copy of the Southern Region CCE Wagon Guide issued in October 1983,

it lists all the dual piped traffic brake vans in TOPS wagon pool 9218 and mentions they may be used

on Departmental trains when specially authorised by the Chief Operating Manager.

There were 26 brake vans listed, all allocated to a specific yard and stencilled with the TOPS location

number of the 'home' location to which they were to be returned after use.

 

There were 3 vans held at New Cross Gate (87603) for contingency purposes:-

B954661, B954750, B954759.

 

cheers   

[hmrspaul]

A lot of the information you are interested in can be found in https://hmrs.org.uk/british-railways-brakevans-&-ballast-ploughs-book.html

at  a very reasonable price

Paul

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brbrakediag507

[Alex TM]

Hi again,

 

Many thanks for those bits of information and further references.

 

@hmrspaul, I must admit to having seen the book before but did not realise that it contained information on TOPS reporting etc.  I will look out for a copy in the coming weeks.

 

Again, many thanks.

 

Alex.