GWR 9369 Nondescript Saloon
9369 was ordered in 1915 as a successor to the 1912 Churchward ‘toplight’ prototype 9055, but due to the First World War it was not delivered until 1923, by which time CB Collett had succeeded GJ Churchward as CME. Unlike the prototype, 9369 did not actually have toplight windows. It included a small brake compartment, although in service this was probably use for storage of hampers rather than as accommodation for a guard.
Like the prototype, 9369 was an unclassified or ‘nondescript’ saloon (ie not allocated to any specific class such as first or third), and was used for private hire.
9369 spent most of its service life at Bristol. After withdrawal it saw departmental use as a Brake Third Open (BTO) numbered DW 150128, at Shrewsbury and Walsall, Norton Junction. It was originally purchased in 1972 by a private owner, Mr John Tarrant, who oversaw a 10-year restoration.
As of July 2015, 9369 is owned by The Great Western (SVR) Association and is in service, normally appearing in the Toplights set. It is finished in GWR 1934-42 livery featuring the ‘shirt-button’ roundel.
References
SVR Stock Book, Ninth Edition
Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey