GWR 650 Brake Third Open (Excursion)
GWR Brake Third Open (BTO) No 650 was designed by CB Collett and built in April 1940 as lot number 1644 to diagram D130. The GWR generally favoured corridor carriages with compartments, using open carriages only for dining cars. However 650 is a rare survivor from around 6 short open sets built between 1936 and 1940.
650 was purchased as a grounded body in 1989 from Kerne Bridge where it was in use as a dormitory for the Gloucester Boys Club. It was initially moved to the British Sugar Corporation's sidings beside the SVR at Foley Park, and later moved to the SVR for eventual restoration.
As of July 2015 restoration is nearly complete, with final painting in Bewdley paint shop into GWR 1934-42 livery featuring the ‘shirt-button’ roundel. 650 is expected to be in service later in 2015.
Sources
Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey
Great Western (SVR) Association