VOLUNTEERS who are working to bring Sharpness and Berkeley railway back to life have taken delivery of a vintage wagon.

The Vale of Berkeley Railway (VoBR) group said they are delighted to have acquired the wagon, which once was used on Sharpness Docks.

Alan Price of the volunteer run heritage railway project said: “It is estimated that over a million of this most versatile and basic design were built for Britain’s railways and this is one of just a handful left.

“Built originally for the Great Western Railway around 1910, this 10 ton capacity 5-plank open wagon was bought by the dock company to transfer bagged cargo like cement and flour from ship to warehouse along the port’s once extensive internal railway system.

“Many of these vehicles were built by the Gloucester Carriage and Wagon Co. and saw extensive railway use until rail freight demands changed rendering them surplus to requirements.

"That it worked through WW11 is indicated by its GWR running number 12544 being stamped on the sole bar, in case the wooden body and identification numbers were destroyed by enemy action.”

The wagon is believed to have been sold for internal use on Sharpness Docks in the 1950s.

Being left in the open for many years it deteriorated to the point where it had become rather sad and neglected.

It was eventually rescued by a VoBR Trustee.

VoBR would be grateful for any further information about this wagon.

Get in touch via: valeofberkeleyrailway.co.uk