20200615_037: 889301 on the N&LR
From the N&LR Website: BR Mk 1 Bullion Van (VXX) №889301 is a converted Brake Corridor Second (BSK) coach.
Originally built by Metro Cammell Ltd. in 1957 as №35021 it became №99201 upon conversion to a SLB Bullion Van and later the SLB TOPS code was changed to be VXX. A further renumbering to №889301 occurred in the late 1980s when the vehicle was allocated to MoD traffic, such as the secure movement of ammunition. At the same time the livery was changed from BR Corporate Blue/Grey to Army Green with oversized Railfreight Distribution sub-sector markings.
In 1965/6 BR decided to convert five (5) Mk1 BSK coaches for the transportation of bullion (in ordinary passenger services and later dedicated trains as well) as a result of a security review after the Great Train Robbery in 1963.
The conversion involved the internal fitting of a high security cage, radio communications equipment and high security glass. Externally, changes included the plating over most of the windows, fitment of heavy duty B5 bogies, corridor gangway connection removal and modifications to the roof such as the addition of two pods and the movement of the ventilators.
20200615_037: 889301 on the N&LR
From the N&LR Website: BR Mk 1 Bullion Van (VXX) №889301 is a converted Brake Corridor Second (BSK) coach.
Originally built by Metro Cammell Ltd. in 1957 as №35021 it became №99201 upon conversion to a SLB Bullion Van and later the SLB TOPS code was changed to be VXX. A further renumbering to №889301 occurred in the late 1980s when the vehicle was allocated to MoD traffic, such as the secure movement of ammunition. At the same time the livery was changed from BR Corporate Blue/Grey to Army Green with oversized Railfreight Distribution sub-sector markings.
In 1965/6 BR decided to convert five (5) Mk1 BSK coaches for the transportation of bullion (in ordinary passenger services and later dedicated trains as well) as a result of a security review after the Great Train Robbery in 1963.
The conversion involved the internal fitting of a high security cage, radio communications equipment and high security glass. Externally, changes included the plating over most of the windows, fitment of heavy duty B5 bogies, corridor gangway connection removal and modifications to the roof such as the addition of two pods and the movement of the ventilators.