==2426 in preservation==
2426 was purchased by SVR(H) in 1972 for use as volunteer dormitory accommodation. It was , initially used for that purpose at [[Bridgnorth]] before moving and from 1988 to 2016 at [[Hampton Loade]] in 1988, where it continued in that role until mid-2016. It was then moved into storage at [[Kidderminster]] pending overhaul, with its place at Hampton Loade being taken temporarily by [[GWR 55 Riding/Dormitory Van | GWR Riding Van 55]] until fitting out of volunteer accommodation in the station building was completed. Ownership was transferred to the [[Great Western (SVR) Association]].
Ownership of In March 2017 2426 has been transferred to spent a few weeks in the siding on [[Sandbourne Viaduct]] before moving into [[Great Western (SVR) AssociationBewdley Down Yard]]for conservation work including frame, body panel and window repairs. For a few years it will become It became the [[The LNER Carriage Group|LNER Carriage Group's]] workshop, replacing [[GWR 9581 Wheelchair accessible Buffet Car]] (formerly 5043 Full Third) while the Association restores restored [[GWR 4786 Full Third]].
The Association's long-term aim is to restore it to its original condition and to this end parts are being made and drawings are slowly being found to aid restoration. In March 2017 2426 spent a few weeks in the siding on [[Sandbourne Viaduct]] at [[Bewdley]] before moving into [[Bewdley Down Yard]] for conservation work including frame, body panel and window repairs. In October 2022 the Association announced that work on 4786 and 2426 would continue in parallel, initially concentrating on the underframe and internal fittings.Updates are issued on the [http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/2426-restoration.html website] and [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1802133566694120 GW(SVR)A Facebook] pages.
In October 2023 the Association launched a leaflet appealing for funds to complete the restoration of 2426. Titled "''A Churchward 'Bars 1' Toplight to complete the set''", the appeal asks donors to "''Help restore the Association's oldest carriage to join Toplights 'Bars 2' [[GWR 9055 Nondescript Saloon|9055]] and 'Multibars' [[GWR 3930 Full Third|3930]] and [[GWR 9369 Nondescript Saloon|9369]].''"<ref>Leaflet distributed at the Association's AGM, 21 October 2023</ref>
Updates are issued on the [http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/2426-restoration.html website] and [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1802133566694120 GW(SVR)A Facebook] pages.
==See also==
