Changes

|years1 = 19721952|events1 = Entered preservation on SVRWithdrawn from passenger service|years2 = 1972|events2 = Entered preservation on SVR

}}[[File:GWR2426-03032018.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bodyside frame components for GWR 9581 Wheelchair accessible Buffet Car being trial assembled inside 2426 in March 2018]]'''GWR Toplight Full Third 2426 ''' was designed by G.J. Churchward and is the oldest bogie coach on the SVR. It is mounted on 8 foot American bogies.

2426 was built at Swindon in 1910 as part of Lot 1167 to Diagram C30. Originally the coach seated 64 passengers in eight compartments and included a toilet at each end. Eight doors per side were included, located in and opposite each compartment.<ref>[[Bibliography#Other References|Longworth (2013)]] p.40.</ref> It was used on passenger services for the next 47 yearsuntil May 1952.<ref>[http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/stock_list.html GW(SVR)A stock list] (Retrieved 1 June 2021)</ref>

In 1957 1952 it was converted to a camping coach and renumbered W9918W. <ref>Longworth and GW(SVR)A state it was renumbered in May 1952; SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition quotes 1957</ref> Four of the compartments became sleeping accommodation, while other compartments were removed to create kitchen and living areas. Many of these camping coaches were removed in the 1960s, and 2624 2426 was then used by the BR(W) Signal and Telegraph department, before being withdrawn in the early 1970s and placed in store at Swindon. <gallery>File:GWR2426Condemned.jpg | 2426 shortly after its arrival on the SVR in condemned condition.</gallery>

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.During its use as a dormitory vehicle, ownership was transferred to the [[Great Western (SVR) Association]].  In March 2017 2426 spent a few weeks in the siding on [[Sandbourne Viaduct]] before moving into [[Bewdley Down Yard]] for conservation including frame, body panel and window work, as it needs substantial structural repair. 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 restored [[GWR 4786 Full Third]].  In October 2022 the Association announced that work on 4786 and 2426 would continue in parallel, initially concentrating on bodywork repairs, the underframe and solebar, scissors gangway and internal doors and 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 (private group)] pages.

Ownership In October 2023 the Association launched a leaflet appealing for funds to complete the restoration of 2426 has been transferred . Titled "''A Churchward 'Bars 1' Toplight to [[Great Western (SVR) Assoc. | The Great Western (SVR) Association]]. In March 2017 2426 spent a few weeks in complete the set''", the siding on [[Sandbourne Viaduct]] at [[Bewdley]] before moving into [[Bewdley Down Yard]] for conservation work. For a few years it will become appeal asks donors to "''Help restore the Association's oldest carriage to join Toplights 'Bars 2' [[The LNER Carriage GroupGWR 9055 Nondescript Saloon|LNER Carriage Group's9055]] workshop, replacing and 'Multibars' [[GWR 5043 3930 Full Third|3930]] which is to be rebuilt as a fully wheelchair accessible saloon and buffet car. The Association's long term aim is to restore it to its original condition, after [[GWR 4786 Full Third9369 Nondescript Saloon|9369]].''"<ref>Leaflet distributed at the Association's AGM, 21 October 2023</ref>

*[http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrustrhrp.org.uk/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=139 2426 on vintagecarriagestrust.orgRailway Heritage Register On-Line]