GWR 9654 Restaurant Third
| GWR 9654 Restaurant Third | |
|---|---|
 GWR 9654 at Kidderminster (Apr 2017) | |
| Built By | GWR Swindon |
| Status | Operational |
| Number | 9654 |
| Other numbers | DW150326 (or DW150033) |
| History | |
| Built | 1925 (rebuilt 1937) |
| Designed By | Collett |
| Diagram | H32 / H52 |
| Lot | 1359 |
| Type | RTO |
| Length | 58ft 0¼in |
| Weight | 31t 12cwt (as rebuilt) |
| Seats | 56 third |
| 1980 | Preserved (NRM) |
| 1981 | Loan to SVR |
| 2007 | Gifted to SVR |
| 2010 | Overhaul commenced |
| 2018 | Overhaul completed |
GWR 9654 is a Collett bow-ended Restaurant Third Open (RTO) carriage.
Contents
Contents
Service
9654 was built in 1925 to Diagram H32 and initially formed one end of three-car articulated (“Tri-art”) dining set H32, which was rebuilt as three single units in 1937.[1]
9654 later saw Departmental use as No DW 150326[2] in the second WR Control Train. These control trains were established by the Government during the 1960s as mobile communication control centres in the event of a nuclear attack. This particular train was stored in the Carriage Shed at Craven Arms, and also included sister coach 9653 and five Full Thirds.[3]
Preservation
When the train was disbanded, the coaches were put up for tender. The Great Western (SVR) Association bid for both 9653 and 9654, but were thwarted by the NRM who claimed both for the National Collection.[3] However the Association successfully negotiated with the NRM for the pair to come to the SVR on loan; both arrived on the SVR from York on 18 August 1981. After arrival both coaches were restored and saw regular use on dining trains.[4] The coach was also used in Carlton's made-for-TV movie 'Goodnight Mister Tom' in 1998 along with two other Great Western coaches.
An agreement was reached in spring 2007 whereby 9654 was gifted to SVR(H).[3] A stop-start overhaul commenced in 2010 due to economic considerations.[5] By 2015, 9654 was stored awaiting recommenced overhaul, having received a coating of blue protective paint (pictured below). In 2017 it was at Bewdley for work including repainting and the fitment of the correct pattern of luggage racks, with outstanding works including lavatories and seating. It was completed in July 2018.[6]
GWR 9654 in July 2015
See also
References
Links
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