Brake vans on the UK network

[The_Rail_WAy]

Are brake vans used at all on the national network in present days. I am aware of the fact that they are now rarely used because most freight trains have air brakes, but they had other uses as well, such as accomodation or storage.

I have seen them on preserved lines, and in various yards (eg Bescot) but the last time I saw one in use on the network would be around 10 years ago, on an EWS freight working, which I found rather unusual - I have never seen one in use since.

Would be great to find out what people think...

 

[Respite]

The only one I know of in recent years is probably the one you mentioned. They used to use an ex SR Queen mary brake on a trip working from Bescot to Walsall (the yard at rolling mill street). It still worked up to at least 2005 when I saw it from the NR depot at rolling mill street anyway. I believe the only use of that van was for propelling movements into the yard.