GWR 2426 Toplight Full Third
| GWR 2426 Toplight Full Third | |
|---|---|
 GWR Toplight Full Third 2426 at Hampton Loade in 2015 | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Stored awaiting overhaul |
| Number | 2426 |
| Other numbers | W9918W |
| History | |
| Built | 1910 |
| Designed By | Churchward |
| Diagram | C30 |
| Lot | 1167 |
| Type | TK |
| Length | 56ft 0in |
| Weight | 27t 5cwt |
| Seats | 64 third |
| 1952 | Withdrawn from passenger service |
| 1972 | Entered preservation on SVR |
Contents
2426 in service
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.[1] It was used on passenger services until May 1952.[2]
In 1952 it was converted to a camping coach and renumbered W9918W.[3] 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coaches were removed in the 1960s, and 2426 was then used by the BR(W) Signal and Telegraph department, before being withdrawn in the early 1970s and placed in store at Swindon.
2426 shortly after its arrival on the SVR in condemned condition.
2426 in preservation
2426 was purchased by SVR(H) in 1972 for use as volunteer dormitory accommodation, initially at Bridgnorth and from 1988 to 2016 at Hampton Loade. It was then moved into storage at Kidderminster pending overhaul, with its place at Hampton Loade being taken temporarily by 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 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 website and GW(SVR)A Facebook (private group) 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' 9055 and 'Multibars' 3930 and 9369."[4]
See also
References
- ↑ Longworth (2013) p.40.
- ↑ GW(SVR)A stock list (Retrieved 1 June 2021)
- ↑ Longworth and GW(SVR)A state it was renumbered in May 1952; SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition quotes 1957
- ↑ Leaflet distributed at the Association's AGM, 21 October 2023
- Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey
- SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition
- Great Western (SVR) Association web site
- Great Western (SVR) Association information notice on 2426 while at Hampton Loade
Links
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