Changes

Long-term outdoor storage, vandalism and theft of parts meant 26921 was in poor condition. In spring 2015 the decision was taken that 26921 it would become the [[L.M.S. & B.R. Coach Department Sales Coach]] at in [[Bridgnorth|Bridgnorthcattle dock]]. A lot of Much work was required, beginning with repairs to the roof to make it water-tight. The window glasses were re-bedded and broken glass replaced. The body sides were stripped, rust-treated and painted in maroon undercoat. The four passenger doors were also taken offhad substantial repairs or replacement, using components from two porthole brakes, overhauled [[Carriages formerly resident on the SVR|26668 and then refitted 27023]], which were broken up for spares in the 1970s. Four pairs of compartment door locks and other work done internallyhandles were missing, so patterns were made by the MPD pattern shop volunteers to have castings made.<ref name=blfeb23>[https://www.svrlive. com/blfeb23 Branch Lines, February 2023]</ref> Maroon top coat was applied later in 2015.<ref>SVR News 189, 192</ref>

Work continued into 2021. The external steel panels renewed in 1979 saw all seams ground out and seamDespite being halted by [[2020 coronavirus disease (COVID-welded. At the passenger compartments end the coach end and gangway tunnel were rebuilt19) pandemic|lockdown]], and heavy corrosion around the doorways dealt with by renewal of steel pillars. It requires a new floor throughout, as the corrugated iron subfloor has corroded. A new steel tray was installed work continued in the lavatory for terrazzo specialists to create the marble-chip surface. ​The aluminium sliding window units are being rebuilt because of corroded backing plates and the drainage system is also being renovated to make it more effective2021.<ref name=bloct21/>

The external steel panels renewed in 1979 saw all seams ground out and seam-welded.<ref name=bloct21/> The old body end panels have been replaced with galvanised steel.<ref name=blfeb23/> At the passenger compartments end the coach end and gangway tunnel were rebuilt, and heavy corrosion around the doorways dealt with by renewal of steel pillars.<ref name=bloct21/>  It required a new floor throughout, as the corrugated iron subfloor had corroded. A new steel tray was installed in the lavatory for terrazzo specialists to create the marble-chip surface.<ref name=bloct21/> The lavatory compartment was refitted, with the new terrazzo floor cast in situ, and missing components for the complex LMS plumbing found or made at [[Carriage Repair Works#Kidderminster_Carriage_Repair_Works|Kidderminster Carriage Repair Works]].<ref name=blfeb23/> The window frames were reconstructed early in 2022, replacing corroded pieces with aluminium plate salvaged from the old body end panels.<ref name=blfeb23/> ​The aluminium sliding window units were rebuilt because of corroded backing plates and the drainage system renovated to make it more effective.<ref name=bloct21/>  The vestibule was re-equipped with new veneered plywood sheets and the original corridor and compartment panels removed for restoration. Having never had its interior redecorated in all its years on the SVR, extensive cleaning was also required.<ref name=blfeb23/>  Once watertight, work focused on re-wiring the restored north end of the carriage. Ceiling panels were made, fitted, and painted, along with the restored veneer panels.<ref name=blfeb23/> Early in 2023 a start was also made on roof and gutter repairs on the southern half.<ref name=blfeb23/>  The [[Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust Ltd|SVR Charitable Trust]] is funding this stage of the repairs.<ref name=blfeb23/>  The second stage of this project from 2022 will involve rebuilding the luggage area into a wheelchair, lavatory and open saloon format.<ref name=bloct21/> Volunteers at Kidderminster have also rebuilt four sets of brass sliding windows, which will be needed in this phase of the project.<ref name=blfeb23/>  At the start of 2023 [[LNWR 76738 (fictitious) 4-Wheel Tranship Van]] replaced 26921 as the L.M.S. & B.R. Coach Department Sales Coach.