Restoration - Part 1

7960 remained in store and untouched for a further ten years until ownership was transferred to Phil James. Work on restoring the carriage began at Kidderminster in the Autumn of 1990 and carried on there until it was transferred to Bewdley in 2002.

Despite regular work being undertaken on the carriage restoration has been slow. This is mainly due to the fact that a small restoration team, usually one or two people are undertaking such an enormous task. In addition having to work in the open with no covered accommodation has not helped the situation.

Major tasks that have been completed include:-

• External repairs to roof followed by re-canvassing
• Repairs to body frame and external doors
• Replace all external teak panels and beading
• Replace all glass in windows and sliding ventilators
• Replace all internal ceilings
• Replace missing bulkhead frames and internal doors
• Re-panel both saloons
• Build and fit ten tables
• Build and fit ten luggage racks
• Replace all floors
• Undertake complete electrical re-wire
• Install a new steam heat system
• Install two new stainless steel water tanks above corridor ceiling plus associated pipe-work
• Re-panel corridor walls
• Re-build attendant lavatory compartment
• Overhaul the two heavy type compound bolster bogies
• Install new battery boxes, regulator and supporting metal beams
• Re-place the two missing gangway connections

Next page: Restoration Part 2