Roof detail on Van B

[Adrian]

Just reading a review of the new Farish Bogie Van B (in modelling section of the August edition of Rail Express - page M32)

An illustration shows the blue and green versions side by side.

My eye was drawn to the roof details and the difference shown between the two.

So, my Qs is, could someone please enlighten me .......... Are the two "objects" towards the centre of the roof on the green vehicle, guard's lookouts?

If so, when were they removed and why - is the clue in the review text ie "guard's facilities taken out of use" early 1970s   

Now, don't be telling me I've answered my own Qs!!!!

Some historical insight would be welcome and interesting

Thanks

Adrian

[Agrippa]

These were periscopes, when or why removed..............?

[Chris in Prague]

The SR had a policy of removing periscopes later on. Once the Bogie Van Bs, (ike other non-BR design stock), were no longer used to convey guards, BR Standard stock being used for this purpose, the guards facilities were removed from the Bogie Bs (and other pre-BR stock). The periscopes were removed at the same time, presumably when the vehicle went in for overhaul?