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Toad brake vans

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  #1  
Old 17th May 2013, 22:31
Portinhol Portinhol is offline  
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Toad brake vans

Just been looking at photos of GWR brake vans. I see that each van's home base is painted on the side plus RU eg Hayle RU. What does RU mean?


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Old 22nd May 2013, 21:38
Portinhol Portinhol is offline  
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Hi everyone. I'm still finding my way around and forgot to introduce myself before my post on Toad brake vans.
Despite my "name" I am 100% British but have lived and worked in Lisbon, Portugal for more years than I care to remember.
Born and bred on the Wirral, i am particularly interested in the GWR/WR, especially S. Devon and Cornwall where we spent summer holidays. Hence my particular post.
RU = Railway U.....?
Any one got an idea?
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Old 22nd May 2013, 21:42
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pre65 pre65 is offline  
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RU = return urgent ?
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Old 23rd May 2013, 08:59
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21Aman 21Aman is offline
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RU- could be resrticted use to the location the van is allocated to IE used for trip work at that locale,also could be allocated for maintenance at the location shown on the vehicle ?
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Old 23rd May 2013, 09:07
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Found this on another website re "toad" brake vans:-

Most Toads carried the name of their home depot on the side. The GWR had a practice of allocating Toads to fixed runs, allowing the allocated guards to build up experience on a particular route, and hence increase safety.
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Old 23rd May 2013, 14:09
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boilersuit boilersuit is offline  
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I'm thinking that vehicles like brake vans were either Common Use or Restricted Use. Maybe that's where the "RU" comes in.
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Old 23rd May 2013, 21:38
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Silver Fox Phil Silver Fox Phil is offline  
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Hello and welcome from me too. I see you are from the Wirral. I have a great interest in the Liverpool overhead railway. It was a fascinating construction, and a great pity it isno longer there.
Anyway enjoy the forum and look forward to your posts
Cheers
Phil
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Old 24th May 2013, 15:42
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John H-T John H-T is offline
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Welcome to the Forum Portinhol. I am almost certain that RU stands for Restricted Use hence the name of the place the Toad was allocated to.

Best wishes,

John H-T.
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