68784 is one example of an expansive class of brake vans built for the Great Western Railway (GWR), all known as “Toad Brakevans”. 17464 was built in 1939 by the GWR to the diagram AA20. As part of this diagram, the vehicle looks almost identical to our other toad brakevan, 17464, but has got several key differences. One such difference is that the van is unfitted. Which means it’s brakes cannot be operated by the loco crew, and remains solely operated by the Guard. This can be quite the skill when working long unfitted trains to ensure the right about of brake force is applied in the right location to ensure the whole train remains under control.

This Van was acquired by the 813 Fund in 2016 and was restored at Bitton jointly by the AVR Wagon Department and the 813 Fund. The Brake van had been privately owned and based at the AVR since 8th July 1990, after it had been purchased from BR having been part of a train used alongside crane 81547.