LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921
| LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921 | |
|---|---|
 LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921 in April 2020 | |
| Built By | BR Wolverton |
| Status | Under overhaul |
| Number | 26921 |
| Other numbers | W26921M |
| History | |
| Built | 1951 |
| Designed By | Stanier |
| Diagram | 2161 |
| Lot | 1506 |
| Type | CH, BTK |
| Length | 57ft |
| Weight | 30T |
| Seats | 24 third |
| 1968 | Arrived on SVR |
| 1980 | Attended Rocket 150 at Rainhill |
Contents
Service
26921 was built in 1951 by BR at Wolverton as lot number 1506 to diagram number 2161.[1] Unlike the Corridor Composite version, the Brake Third Corridor continued the use of timber framing with steel top, bottom and corner members. The livery when new in service was BR Crimson and Cream. In BR service the carriage was renumbered W26921M, indicating that it was allocated to the BR(W) region[2].
Preservation
26921 arrived on the SVR from Didcot on 28 August 1968 with several other vehicles, having been acquired by SVR(H). It entered service in 1968, and the external steel panels were all renewed in 1979, though not fully welded together.[3] It was one of three SVR coaches which took part in the Cavalcades at the Rocket 150 celebrations at Rainhill in May 1980.
Rainhill 1980: 26921 in the Cavalcade behind LMS 6201 Princess Elizabeth and the NRM's LMS carriage 14241
SVR service continued until 1984 when 26921 suffered damage to a bogie due to steel left on the track by vandals[4].
Overhaul from 2015
In spring 2015 the decision was taken that 26921 would become the L.M.S. & B.R. Coach Department Sales Coach at Bridgnorth. A lot of work was required, beginning with repairs to the roof to make it water-tight. The window glasses were re-bedded and broken glass replaced. The body sides were stripped, rust-treated and painted in maroon undercoat. The doors were also taken off, overhauled and then refitted and other work done internally. Maroon top coat was applied later in 2015.[5]
The picture below shows 26921 in March 2016, unlined and un-numbered.
LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921 in March 2016
Work continued into 2021. The external steel panels renewed in 1979 saw all seams ground out and seam-welded. At the passenger compartments end the coach end and gangway tunnel were rebuilt, and heavy corrosion around the doorways dealt with by renewal of steel pillars. It requires a new floor throughout, as the corrugated iron subfloor has corroded. A new steel tray was installed in the lavatory for terrazzo specialists to create the marble-chip surface. The aluminium sliding window units are being rebuilt because of corroded backing plates and the drainage system is also being renovated to make it more effective.[3]
The second stage of this project from 2022 will involve rebuilding the luggage area into a wheelchair, lavatory and open saloon format.[3] At the start of 2023 LNWR 76738 (fictitious) 4-Wheel Tranship Van replaced 26921 as the L.M.S. & B.R. Coach Department Sales Coach.
See also
References
Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey
SVR Stock Book Eighth Edition
- ↑ Jenkinson & Essery (1977) p. 110.
- ↑ Longworth (2019) p.310.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Branch Lines, October 2021
- ↑ Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey
- ↑ SVR News 189, 192
Links
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