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British Railways (Southern Region) - No. 4601
The "Elephant Van", a specially strengthened Bogie Scenery Van
Both photos: Graeme Pettit

This Southern Railway design is very similar in style to other parcels vans. The first batch were built in 1928 using second hand LBSCR underframes, when the coach bodies were rebuilt on new frames for use in electric trains. They had a higher roof than most similar vans, designed for carrying theatrical scenery. This vehicle, built in the early days of British Railways, and described as a GUV, or general utility van, had a new underframe. This was one of three which also had a reinforced floor, and was used (for a time) for the carriage of circus elephants in the Bertram Mills Circus Train.

Click here to see a photo of one of these vans in use, complete with elephants!

They were rated to run in passenger trains, and this was the last survivor of its type in parcels and mail-train use. Of very simple design, with the metal framing exposed, and planked on the inside, they are easy to maintain. It has been used on the Bluebell as a signalling store and workshop.