GWR Corridor Composite (CK) 7284 was built at Swindon in June 1941 as lot number 1639 to diagram E162. The term ‘composite’ refers to a carriage having more than one class of seating, in this case both first and third class compartments.
After passenger service, 7284 was later numbered 079156 and 99236. The former number signified Departmental Coaching stock within the Western Region that did not normally move or had its movements confined to a particular depot or yard. The latter number signifying hauled non-passenger carrying use and related to 7284’s inclusion in the Swindon GWR test train which was used for load testing of diesel locomotives.
The entire 9-coach test train was sold into preservation in 1969, with 7284 being bought for the SVR along with four Full Third (TK) carriages. It was first restored in in 1971 when owned by Mr Peter Waite, but is now owned by The Great Western (SVR) Association. It is regularly used in Set GW2, and is finished in GWR 1934-42 livery featuring the ‘shirt-button’ roundel.
Sources
Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey
SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition
Great Western (SVR) Association web site