GWR Bow-ended Composite 6045 Appeal

6045 photgraphed at Bewdley 1972. PHOTO: Colin Jenkins

The Great Western (SVR) Association's new project has started following the near completion of 650; the restoration of GWR Bow-ended Composite 6045.

Built in 1928 this Corridor Composite to Lot 1382 Diagram E132, has four first class compartments and three third class compartments and is the only surviving composite bow ended vehicle. These coaches were built in large numbers between 1923 and 1929 and in all 623 corridor coaches were built with only minor differences. They had doors to each compartment and attractive mahogany interiors similar to the compartment in 9103. They were all 57’ in length over their exterior panels and 9’ 3” wide, 12’ 6½” high.

The body was supported on 7ft bogies and used suspended end gangways replacing the old scissors gangways. As with 9103 they had slam locks from lot 1371 in August 1926. In this lot 85 were built. The first class was upholstered in dark chocolate moquette and the third class in red, black and yellow leaf rep.

6045 needs substantial repair work with a new floor; frame repairs and a mainly new interior. We have been making many of the new parts over the last year but there is a lot more to do. Initially it will replace 650 in the dock line at Bewdley until we have constructed a polytunnel over the vehicle next to 98 on the Bewdley back road to keep it dry whilst all the framework repairs are carried out. It will be located next to 98 which will act as the workshop.

We are now appealing for financial help and donations to enable us to keep the restoration team fully occupied. We have already made parts for the steam heating and other ironwork. We have luggage racks and some of the brass work in stock but we need funds for the replacement timber and mahogany as well as new seating. For the initial 2 years work we estimate we need funds to creating the ‘tunnel’, main frame repairs, floor repair and external door repairs. We anticipate having to raise some £10,000, so we would welcome any donations or regular standing orders towards this work to help return this coach to traffic quicker than will otherwise be the case.

Once restored 6045 will provide much needed additional first class accommodation in the heritage set. All donations towards this aim will be gratefully received. Thank you.

Download the 6045 appeal leaflet

Donations

I would like to make a donation of £ ....................... towards the restoration of 6045. Please make cheques payable to 'Great Western (SVR) Association' and send to Rob Massey - Secretary, 9 Shandon Close, Harborne, Birmingham B32 3XB.

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Online donations

Donations can also be made on-line via the Charity Aid Foundation website:

Regular donations

Regular donations by standing order can be one of the most effective ways to help the Association. Please complete and send to your own bank. Available in HTML and PDF (26kB) formats.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, you can make your contributions worth nearly 25% more, at no extra cost to you. For every £10 donated, the Association can claim an extra £2.50 from the Inland Revenue. Please complete either the HTML or PDF (33kB) forms and return.