13-of-20) On finding a nearby viewpoint on to the British Rail Seaham to Sunderland line at the end of the exchange sidings, this guards van was seen. The notices on it say:
"GUARDS RIDING VAN", "TO WORK BETWEEN DAWDON SIGNAL BOX AND SEAHAM COLLIERY"
Guards vans were very rarely used with Merry-go-round trains, but this one had to be used on the end of the coal train when it was propelled down from Seaham colliery and around the chord to the main line due to the sharp curve obscuring the driver’s view of the line ahead. It is painted with additional markings so that it could be seen more easily when being propelled. Seaham, 15/6/87.
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