9055 Churchward nondescript saloon
9055 at Kidderminster station, April 2005. Photo: Paul Bennett |
Completed November 2012 as First Class Saloon to Diagram G43, Lot 1209.
Churchward saloon unclassed built in 1912. Purchased in 1972 from Newport. Another toplight but a rather special one. It was a one off replacement for an earlier clerestory carriage . These saloons were used for private party use on excursions and the like. They were used for boy scout outings, choir outings; in fact any outing which could justify the use of such a vehicle. After spending its first years on the Valley as a shop, restoration commenced as it was put back into use as an invalid saloon but in such a way that it can be fully restored to its original condition at any time.
<<previous Stock List next>>
|
|
9055 at Kidderminster station 2004.
PHOTO: Paul Bennett
|
Restoration 1981-86 |
Prior to its restoration, 9055 served as the shop based in Platform 3 at Bewdley to help raise funds for the Association.
Restoration work started in 1981 and incorporated an open area at one end, suitable for wheelchair passengers, accessed through the double Guard compartment doors. Photos: Colin Jenkins |
|
Here the end panels have been removed for repairs to the framework and corner posts.
|
New plywood panels have been fitted. |
|
New mouldings have been made and fitted. |
|
Now complete with gangway rehung and the steps, hand rails, communication gear and through lighting control cables fitted.
|
|
Three of the corridor side toplights removed for repair.
|
|
The finished saloon. Financial constraints dictated the use of the ex BR upholstery.
|
9055 returned to traffic early 1986 finished in Great Western Railway 1912 lined crimson lake livery with hand painted garter crest.
|
