Difference between revisions of "GWR 9103 Nondescript Saloon"
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{{Infobox carriage | {{Infobox carriage | ||
| − | |image = | + | |image = GWR_9103_20150411.jpg |
|caption = GWR 9103 Nondescript Saloon | |caption = GWR 9103 Nondescript Saloon | ||
|construc = GWR Swindon | |construc = GWR Swindon | ||
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|weight = 38t 0cwt | |weight = 38t 0cwt | ||
|built = 1929 | |built = 1929 | ||
| − | |seats = | + | |seats = 40 unclassified (as built) |
|years1 = 1972 | |years1 = 1972 | ||
|events1 = Preserved on SVR | |events1 = Preserved on SVR | ||
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|years6 = | |years6 = | ||
|events6 = | |events6 = | ||
| − | }}9103 is the final Collett version of the Churchward prototype | + | }}'''GWR Nondescript Saloon 9103''' of 1929 is the final Collett version of the Churchward prototype 'toplight' nondescript saloon [[GWR 9055 Nondescript Saloon | GWR 9055]] of 1912. The SVR is also home to a third nondescript saloon, [[GWR 9369 Nondescript Saloon|GWR 9369]] of 1923. The saloons were built for private hire and excursion work, the term 'nondescript' signifying they was not allocated to any one specific class such as first or third. |
| − | + | From the near end as seen, the layout of 9103 comprises a toilet, two saloons with exterior doors at each end and an interconnecting door, a single compartment with an exterior door, a brake/luggage compartment with double doors and another toilet. On the far side as seen, the side corridor has a matching external door layout. The two saloons each seat 16 passengers and the compartment seats 8 for a nominal total capacity of 40. | |
| − | 9103 is owned by [[Great Western (SVR) Assoc. | The Great Western (SVR) Association]] and is in service, normally appearing in the GWR2 set. It is finished in GWR 1928-34 chocolate and cream livery featuring the | + | As built, the two saloons bore similarity internally to contemporary London Underground surface stock, being finished in Edwardian style mahogany woodwork with inward-facing bench type seats along each side. Between the bench seats was a central folding table which made access to the seats somewhat awkward. The upholstery was a dark brown moquette, the standard for first class in the period. Externally the Collett version displays the characteristics of the GWR 'bow-ended' era, without the 'toplight' windows of the prototype<ref name=GWSVRA>[http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/9103-a-short-history.html GW(SVR)A, ''A Short History of 9103'', Mick Haynes]</ref><ref name=Harris>[[Bibliography#Other References|Harris (1966)]] pp. 92,150.</ref>. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Service== | ||
| + | 9103 was one of ten built at Swindon as Lot 1400 to Diagram G58, entering service in March 1929. Their original duties are not known, although they may have been used as inspection carriages.<ref name=Longworth>[[Bibliography#Other References|Longworth (2018)]] Vol 1, pp.103, 172.</ref> Renumbering under BR followed the normal process, and by the early 1950s the arrival of BR standard open thirds saw W9103W and the other brake saloons allocated two each to the five excursion sets. They were eventually displaced in turn by BR standard open brake thirds, but despite their unusual internal layout survived in general relief and excursion work until the early 1960s. They were the last open saloons in general service to carry the work 'Saloon' in bold sans-serif lettering.<ref name=Harris/> 9103 was allocated to Plymouth for most of its time and was also involved in a fire at Fratton in 1950.<ref name=GWSVRA>[http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/9103-a-short-history.html GW(SVR)A, ''A Short History of 9103'', Mick Haynes]</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | After withdrawal from BR passenger service in September 1961, W9103W was overhauled to take part in the "Westward Television Train", an exhibition train which visited 22 towns behind [[City of Truro]] to publicise the opening of Westward Television in 1961.<ref>[http://www.78rpm.co.uk/westward.htm 78rpm.co.uk] (Retrieved 8 July 2015)</ref>. It was then transferred into Internal User stock and renumbered 079124 for use as an office<ref name=Longworth/><ref name=GWSVRA/>. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Preservation== | ||
| + | 9103 was first located 'off the rails' at Swansea Landore, but while preservation plans were drawn up, the vehicle was re-railed and sent to nearby Danygraig. It was eventually privately purchased from there by Phil James, becoming the first vehicle to arrive at [[Bewdley]] on 29 January 1972. After arrival, the roof was made waterproof and work began to replace the interior as closely as possible to the original layout.<ref>SVR News 24</ref><ref>SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition</ref> By the end of 1973 the ceilings had been completely replaced as had a missing partition and the missing brake gear. The wiring was also reinstalled, with Phil James carrying out much of the work.<ref>SVR News 27, 28, 30</ref><ref name=GWSVRA/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | 9103 was then bought by Mick Haynes who continued the restoration with the aid of only a small team including family members.<ref name=GWSVRA/> In the early 1980s 9103 spent several years inside Bewdley Goods Shed to the evident frustration of the Wagon Group; with reports in SVR News including 'tongue in cheek' comments such as "''Next door in the main goods shed, however, the grass continues to grow around Mick Haynes' nondescript saloon 9103; shame we can't evict it and get another couple of wagons in!''"<ref>SVR News 74</ref> By the late 1980s 9103 was back out in the open, with the inevitable consequence that "''Despite the fact that it is partly sheeted over, it no sooner dries out than it gets soaked again. The Haynes' descend on it "en famille" every weekend only to find that rain stopped play.''"<ref>SVR News 87</ref> Progress nevertheless continued slowly through the 1990s, with occasional short reports that "''Restoration is proceeding steadily''".<ref>SVR News 115 (Summer 1995), SVR News 128 (Summer1998) etc.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | In 2004 the GW(SVR)A created a web page which fully documented the restoration after that time. The page may be seen [http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/9103_restoration.html here]. By 2007 it appeared possible that 9103 might be ready for traffic in 2008,<ref>SVR News 157</ref> but in the event the restoration was not completed until 2013. 9103 was rolled out for 'official' pictures to be taken at Bewdley on Thursday 15 July,<ref>SVR News 183</ref> with the Association arranging a special train to mark the completion on Wednesday 18 September 2013. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The high quality restoration of the coach resulted in the it winning the title of Overall Winner in the Carriage and Wagon category of the [[Awards|Heritage Railway Association Awards]] in November 2015.<ref name="SVRNews192">SVR News 192, "Great Western (SVR) Association Progress", Gareth J. Price</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | 9103 is owned by [[Great Western (SVR) Assoc. | The Great Western (SVR) Association]]<ref>[http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/stock_list.html GW(SVR)A stock list]</ref> and is in service, normally appearing in the GWR2 set. It is finished in a period correct GWR 1928-34 chocolate and cream livery featuring the 'coat of arms' logo. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:GWR_Coat_of_Arms.jpg | GWR Coat of Arms | File:GWR_Coat_of_Arms.jpg | GWR Coat of Arms | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| − | [[Carriages| List of carriages]] | + | *[[Carriages| List of carriages]] |
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
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[[Category: Carriage Type BTO]] | [[Category: Carriage Type BTO]] | ||
[[Category: Rolling stock owned by the Great Western (SVR) Association]] | [[Category: Rolling stock owned by the Great Western (SVR) Association]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Featured articles]] | ||
Revision as of 13:53, 17 May 2021
| GWRGreat Western Railway 9103 Nondescript Saloon | |
|---|---|
 GWRGreat Western Railway 9103 Nondescript Saloon | |
| Built By | GWRGreat Western Railway Swindon |
| Status | In service |
| Number | 9103 |
| History | |
| Built | 1929 |
| Designed By | CollettCharles Benjamin Collett, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) of the Great Western Railway 1922-1941 |
| Diagram | G58 |
| Lot | 1400 |
| Type | Nondescript, BTO |
| Length | 58ft 4¼in |
| Weight | 38t 0cwt |
| Seats | 40 unclassified (as built) |
| 1972 | Preserved on SVRSevern Valley Railway |
| 2013 | Returned to service |
GWRGreat Western Railway Nondescript Saloon 9103 of 1929 is the final CollettCharles Benjamin Collett, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) of the Great Western Railway 1922-1941 version of the ChurchwardGeorge Jackson Churchward, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) of the Great Western Railway 1902-1922 prototype 'toplight' nondescript saloon GWR 9055 of 1912. The SVRSevern Valley Railway is also home to a third nondescript saloon, GWR 9369 of 1923. The saloons were built for private hire and excursion work, the term 'nondescript' signifying they was not allocated to any one specific class such as first or third.
From the near end as seen, the layout of 9103 comprises a toilet, two saloons with exterior doors at each end and an interconnecting door, a single compartment with an exterior door, a brake/luggage compartment with double doors and another toilet. On the far side as seen, the side corridor has a matching external door layout. The two saloons each seat 16 passengers and the compartment seats 8 for a nominal total capacity of 40.
As built, the two saloons bore similarity internally to contemporary London Underground surface stock, being finished in Edwardian style mahogany woodwork with inward-facing bench type seats along each side. Between the bench seats was a central folding table which made access to the seats somewhat awkward. The upholstery was a dark brown moquette, the standard for first class in the period. Externally the CollettCharles Benjamin Collett, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) of the Great Western Railway 1922-1941 version displays the characteristics of the GWRGreat Western Railway 'bow-ended' era, without the 'toplight' windows of the prototype[1][2].
Contents
Service
9103 was one of ten built at Swindon as Lot 1400 to Diagram G58, entering service in March 1929. Their original duties are not known, although they may have been used as inspection carriages.[3] Renumbering under BRBritish Rail or British Railways followed the normal process, and by the early 1950s the arrival of BRBritish Rail or British Railways standard open thirds saw W9103W and the other brake saloons allocated two each to the five excursion sets. They were eventually displaced in turn by BRBritish Rail or British Railways standard open brake thirds, but despite their unusual internal layout survived in general relief and excursion work until the early 1960s. They were the last open saloons in general service to carry the work 'Saloon' in bold sans-serif lettering.[2] 9103 was allocated to Plymouth for most of its time and was also involved in a fire at Fratton in 1950.[1]
After withdrawal from BRBritish Rail or British Railways passenger service in September 1961, W9103W was overhauled to take part in the "Westward Television Train", an exhibition train which visited 22 towns behind City of Truro to publicise the opening of Westward Television in 1961.[4]. It was then transferred into Internal UserRolling stock used for the railway’s internal purposes (stores etc.) at one fixed location. stock and renumbered 079124 for use as an office[3][1].
Preservation
9103 was first located 'off the rails' at Swansea Landore, but while preservation plans were drawn up, the vehicle was re-railed and sent to nearby Danygraig. It was eventually privately purchased from there by Phil James, becoming the first vehicle to arrive at Bewdley on 29 January 1972. After arrival, the roof was made waterproof and work began to replace the interior as closely as possible to the original layout.[5][6] By the end of 1973 the ceilings had been completely replaced as had a missing partition and the missing brake gear. The wiring was also reinstalled, with Phil James carrying out much of the work.[7][1]
9103 was then bought by Mick Haynes who continued the restoration with the aid of only a small team including family members.[1] In the early 1980s 9103 spent several years inside Bewdley Goods Shed to the evident frustration of the Wagon Group; with reports in SVRSevern Valley Railway News including 'tongue in cheek' comments such as "Next door in the main goods shed, however, the grass continues to grow around Mick Haynes' nondescript saloon 9103; shame we can't evict it and get another couple of wagons in!"[8] By the late 1980s 9103 was back out in the open, with the inevitable consequence that "Despite the fact that it is partly sheeted over, it no sooner dries out than it gets soaked again. The Haynes' descend on it "en famille" every weekend only to find that rain stopped play."[9] Progress nevertheless continued slowly through the 1990s, with occasional short reports that "Restoration is proceeding steadily".[10]
In 2004 the GW(SVR)AGreat Western (SVR) Association created a web page which fully documented the restoration after that time. The page may be seen here. By 2007 it appeared possible that 9103 might be ready for traffic in 2008,[11] but in the event the restoration was not completed until 2013. 9103 was rolled out for 'official' pictures to be taken at Bewdley on Thursday 15 July,[12] with the Association arranging a special train to mark the completion on Wednesday 18 September 2013.
The high quality restoration of the coach resulted in the it winning the title of Overall Winner in the Carriage and Wagon category of the Heritage Railway Association Awards in November 2015.[13]
9103 is owned by The Great Western (SVR) Association[14] and is in service, normally appearing in the GWR2 set. It is finished in a period correct GWRGreat Western Railway 1928-34 chocolate and cream livery featuring the 'coat of arms' logo.
GWRGreat Western Railway Coat of Arms
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 GW(SVR)A, A Short History of 9103, Mick Haynes
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Harris (1966) pp. 92,150.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Longworth (2018) Vol 1, pp.103, 172.
- ↑ 78rpm.co.uk (Retrieved 8 July 2015)
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 24
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway Stock Book Ninth Edition
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 27, 28, 30
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 74
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 87
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 115 (Summer 1995), SVRSevern Valley Railway News 128 (Summer1998) etc.
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 157
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 183
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 192, "Great Western (SVRSevern Valley Railway) Association Progress", Gareth J. Price
- ↑ GW(SVR)A stock list
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