LNER 52255 Open Third
Third Open (TO) 52255 was built at York in 1935 to Diagram Number 186 Lot number 594. It was renumbered as 13547 in 1946, and in 1961 it was withdrawn for Departmental use as an Office Coach in a Control Train, numbered DE321005.
52255 arrived on the SVR from Doncaster in April 1980, having been purchased by an individual. External restoration to 1935 livery was undertaken in the mid-1980s with the assistance of the LNER (SVR) Coach Fund, although the interior still consisted of BR Mark 1 seating.
52255 was purchased by the SVR Rolling Stock Trust (now The SVR Charitable Trust) in June 2011. It was withdrawn from use at the end of 2014 for major body overhaul, and for the interior to undergo a high class upgrade to LNER appearance, similar to that previously completed on 43600. It entered the paintshop in early 2016, and by 3 September the work was almost complete with side framework repaired, roof planks secured firmly to the hoops and then re-canvassed and painted. Windows were re-bedded and the bodywork externally re varnished. The interior had been dismantled and many components refurbished or replaced before reassembly with new saloon paneling and fawn Rexine finish trimmed in maroon. New brown lino, rexined seat ends made to the new "LNER" profile, pictures, mirrors, coathooks, wall lamps and luggage racks were added. The volunteer upholsterer re-covered the seats in new LNER red & black patterned moquette, and these were fitted, as were the new LNER pattern tables. Gangways were refurbished, and its refurbished bogies fitted. The previously standard tungsten light bulbs were replaced with almost indistinguishable LED ones which use much less power whilst giving a superior level of illumination.
The restoration in full LNER prewar livery was completed in September 2016 in time for the Tornado/Flying Scotsman visit, with much effort by apprentices, volunteer and full time C&W staff expended to meet that deadline.
Sources
Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey
LNER (SVR) Coach Fund
SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition