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The plan is to have saloon Saloon accommodation for disabled passengers and their companions will be at one end and an accessible buffet counter at the other. Entry will be via central double doors with an adjacent disabled WC. The external appearance will indeed be of a GWR H33 composite Kitchen Diner (see above). It will replicate the later condition of GWR catering vehicles, which were all rebuilt in a programme that lasted from 1937 to 1952. There were many variations, but they all gained flush sided steel panelling with sliding shutters replacing the original 'hopper' type opening toplights, a much more practical arrangement that vastly reduced the window's tendency to leak.<ref>[http://forum.svr-online.org.uk/viewtopic.php?p=50670#50670 SVR Unofficial Form 30 May 2016]</ref> The General Arrangement drawing of the proposal was prepared by the late and much missed Peter Simpson of the GW(SVR)A to whom the LNER Carriage Group are extremely grateful.
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In March 2017 the GW(SVR)A and SVR(H) exchanged 5043 for [[GWR 4786 Full Third]]. Conversion and restoration is being carried out by [[The LNER (SVR) Coach Fund]] who have experience of this kind of work, and this coach became their next project following restoration of [[GWR 17410 'Toad' 20T Goods Brake Van]].<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/kr-by-c-and-w SVRLive 30 March 2017]</ref>
Under the title 'PROJECT 9581 - ACCESS FOR ALL' it was the beneficiary of the traditional SVR Raffle in 2019, raising "more than £10,000"<ref>SVR News 205</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/svrofficial/photos/a.216795638398146/2373313162746372/?type=3&theater SVR Facebook, 7 May 2019]</ref>.
===Conversion work===
Initial work involved sourcing fittings, undertaking a condition survey, obtaining costings, cleaning and painting the underframe and ordering a kit of bodyside frame components.<ref>[http://www.lnersvrcoachfund.org.uk/gwr5043.html LNER Carriage Group] (Retrieved 2 January 2018)</ref> Work commenced in earnest following a shunt on 7 November 2017 which moved 5043 into position for restoration to commence.From 2017 to March 2010 progress was spectacular, with both sides, ends and roof rebuilt to the new configuration with new framework, replacement steel panels and fully glazed windows. Six of the eight new side doors were fitted, hung on their original hinges, genuine GWR slam locks fitted and all working correctly. All this was made possible by the financial support of both SVR Companys and the Charitable trust. Unfortunately "Covid" [[2020 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic | COVID-19)]] lockdowns resulted in 2020-21 being 12 months of very fragmented and slow progress and the retirement of some key volunteers. However as of November 2022 the structure of the interior is largely complete with floor, ceilings, interior partitions and seat frames all in place and mostly painted/varnished. In addittion addition the lighting is complete and working, the steam heaters are in place, and work is progressing on the internal sliding doors.
In November 2018 it was agreed that with the rebuild more than 50% complete, the coach would subsequently be referred to by its new number 9581.<ref>[http://www.lnersvrcoachfund.org.uk/gwr-progress-2019.html LNER Carriage Group]</ref> {{As of|2022|11}} work continues on the much of the interior, with the LNER Carriage Group supplemented from time-to-time by further volunteers from [[The 2857 Society]] and the [[Great Western (SVR) Association]].<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/collett-5043 SVRLive news page]</ref><ref>[http://www.lnersvrcoachfund.org.uk/gwr-progress-2021.html LNER Coach Fund Progress update December 2021] (Retrieved 22 October 2022)</ref>
===Completion date===
With continued support from the SVR Family family the agreed programme is for the voluntary work at [[Bewdley Down Yard]] to be complete by September 2023. This won't be the end of the story as a comprehensive mechanical overhaul will be needed, followed by door lock rennovation renovation and certification, exterior painting in GWR 1930s livery, and the laying of lino throughout. The ambitious target is to have 9581 in service during 2024.
==See also==
