BR 3083 Experimental Open
First Open (FO) No 3083 is one of 14 experimental BR Mk1 carriages built in 1957 by a variety of contractors and BR workshops to trial new designs, evaluate public opinion and test the durability of new fittings.
Built at the former LNER workshops at Doncaster, the interior design of 3083 incorporated LNER style teak matchboard linings and aluminium trim, with reclining rotating seats. The window spacing is also different from standard Mk 1.
Withdrawn from BR in 1972, it was put in to service immediately upon its arrival on the SVR in February 1973, still in InterCity blue & grey livery. Since then it has been repainted in BR Crimson & Cream (1974), BR Western Region Chocolate & Cream (1980), BR Maroon (1990), BR Eastern Region Mock Teak (1999) and BR Maroon again (2009)[1]. In SVR use the coach has been declassified (i.e. is now 'standard' class), and the seats locked so they no longer rotate.
References
- ↑ Information panel inside carriage
Links
3083 on www.gwr813.org in BR Maroon
3083 on www.vintagecarriagestrust.org in mock teak livery
