Green Arrow Freight Service

[drmditch]

In reading 'A History of GWR Goods Wagons', Atkins, Beard, Hyde and Tourret (I don't have enough 'common user' vehicles on my railway,) I found the following statement:-

'The GWR ran an experiment with registered transit loads between 1927 and March 1929. This was a great success and became the 'Green Arrow' service. The other railway companies would not accept the principle until March 1933 when they at last followed suit.'

I had previously thought that the Green Arrow service was developed by the LNER, and was a logical development from the fast fitted freight services of the GNR and LNER.

Does anybody know where to find more information?

(I cannot remember any reference to a GWR pioneered service in Hughes/Allen etc.)

[teaky]

Reference here to the LNER setting up the service in 1928.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/gansg/7-fops ... intype.htm

[R. pike]

'Somewhere' in my collection i have some gummed labels that feature a green arrow on a white or cream background. I believe these were stuck on to wagon labels or transit labels if the vehicle/parcel was to be included in a Green Arrow service. I have always wondered if a surcharge was paid to get the Green Arrow special treatment?

[hq1hitchin]

You may be sure it commanded a premium, Richard, as their transit was specially monitored, unlike most freight wagons pre-TOPS. There was a railway cricket team at the old BR(LM) sports ground at Hatch End who went by the name of the 'Green Arrows'. Didn't seem to raise any eyebrows, though

[melton]

I can remember seeing wagon labels with the gummed green arrow attached in the early 70's. Talking of pre-TOPS labels, they used a two letter and one figure route code - for some reason I remember Liverpool Alex Dock was LL1. I wonder if anybody else can recall some destation codes?

[1H was 2E]

Here's a Western region poster - gives price (!)

[StevieG]

Here's a Western region poster - gives price (!)

Very good to see that excellent image, 1H was 2E: Thank you.
And what a bargain, to get such special service for 12.5 pence !

[jwealleans]

There's a very interesting article on the origins of the Green Arrow service (and the 'Blue Arrow', which I hadn't heard of) in the current LNER Society Journal, which I received yesterday.