One of the major factors behind the development of railways was the need to move freight, primarily coal in the first instance, more efficiently. The Midland Railway was a significant carrier and required considerable facilities to achieve this.
Midland Railway 6 wheeled 20 ton Brake Van No.75, about 1903
Built in Derby with a single veranda from which the guard could observe the train. Brake vans were an essential feature of every freight or goods train as they provided the only source of additional braking once the train was moving. Goods Guards worked hard to support the Driver in keeping the wagons under control during the journey.
This brake van survived in private used with ICI at Northwich and was restored at the Midland Railway – Butterley.
[RPYMR:1988.5]
Parcels Scales, Kettering Station, pre 1923
Scales were to be found at most stations and depots, as rates were based on weights and distance. Most individual parcels travelled by passenger train offing a fast service.
[RPYMR:2001.3]
Midland Railway 5 Plank Merchandise Wagon, pre-1923
Thousands of these wagons were built to carry general goods as well as being used for mineral traffic. The example here has been restored at the Midland Railway – Butterley.
[Support Collection]
List of Coal Merchants and their Depots served by the Midland Railway, 1st March 1874
The movement of coal from collieries to Coal Merchants’ Depots was a major source of income for the Midland Railway. This document references the Midland Railway’s Mineral Office as a “division” of the Goods Department.
[RPYMR:1988.417.1]
M R Wagon Number Plate, pre 1923
One of a pair of number plates normally found on the solebar of the wagon.
[RPYMR:2022.38]
Ledger recording Goods Movements handled by an Agent, 1914 to 1923
As part of the financial process within the M R every movement of goods items, both to and from a station, were recorded. This Ledger comes from Northampton Station.
[RPYMR:2022.64]