BR Mk1 COACHES

Page updated 5 May 06
Minor update 2 Aug 06
Minor update 11 Oct 06
Minor update 7 Nov 06
Minor update 21 Jan 07

How this page is supposed to work….
This page contains ten entries corresponding to the ten Mk1 coaches we have on site.  For each entry there is an illustration on the left, whilst on the right is a link to further information which is held on the Vintage Carriages Trust Carriages Register (VCT) site.  The link gives a broad description of the coach, whilst we add a bit of narrative below.  Selecting the link will take you to the VCT site where formal, and rather technical details of the vehicles are held – and another better (but older) photo.  If you need to know things about the lot number or diagram number this is the link to follow.  To return from the link, use the RETURN button on your browser.  Our photos were taken in the depths of winter, (20 December 2005) and we will replace them as soon as possible so you have an up-to-date and brighter image.

 

BR 35494 Mk 1 Brake Corridor Second built 1963 (BSK)

 

One of our two front line vehicles, in regular service. Beginning to show damage around the doors and due for a short overhaul during 2006.

Wired for service from a shore supply, which powers a battery charger and adjacent coaches.

 

 

BR 1854 Mk 1 Restaurant Miniature Buffet built 1961 (RMB)

 

The second of our front line vehicles, in regular service

Due for short overhaul during 2006 to attend to welding at the north-end vestibule

Wired for service from a shore supply, which powers a battery charger and adjacent coaches.  When connected to the shore supply, the electric urn and other equipment can be powered.

 

 

BR 25444 Mk 1 Corridor Second built 1957 (SK)

 

The third of our front-line vehicles, used as a strengthening vehicle to increase our regular service from two to three coaches.

 

 

BR 4677 Mk 1 Tourist Second Open built 1957 (TSO)

 

TSO 4677 is sidelined at present with defective doorframes, though work is currently underway refurbishing the interior, and replacing a broken picture window glass.

 

 

BR 81453 Mk 1 Gangwayed Full Brake built 1958 (BG)

 

Acquired in September 2004, this vehicle has been completey reliveried from its previous Parcels Sector flame red colour to maroon in order to match our existing vehicles.  Having recently seen some light repairs around the floor of the one of the guard’s doors, it entered regular service June 2006.  This has allowed our previous (loco), BSK, RMB formation to be reformed as (loco), BG, RMB, SK.

 

 

 

 

BR 21034 Mk 1 Brake Corridor Composite built 1954 (BCK)

 

Arrived on site in February 2005 from the East Somerset Railway.  Considerable detail work is needed on this vehicle before it can return to service, however its potential utility, and its capacity to replace the BG in due course makes it a prime candidate for restoration work.  It has original frameless windows, and shows signs of having been painted in carmine and cream – to which livery it will be duly returned.

 

 

BR 4046 Mk 1 Tourist Second Open built 1956 (TSO)

 

This vehicle was purchased speculatively from the Dart Valley railway for restoration, but open storage and neglect means the future of this vehicle is now uncertain.  Previously offered for sale, but no longer available.

 

 

BR 4654 Mk 1 Tourist Second Open built 1957  (TSO) Sc4256

 

Like the vehicle above this vehicle was purchased speculatively from the Dart Valley railway for restoration, but open storage and neglect means the future of this vehicle is uncertain.  It was later numbered Sc4256 for service on the Scottish Region, and still carries the abbreviated number 4256.  Previously offered for sale, but no longer available.

 

 

BR 94300 4 wheel CCT (Covered Carriage Truck) built 1960  CCT

 

Privately owned vehicle used principally for storage.  No plans at present to return it for regular haulage

 

 

 

BR Mk1 COACHES PREVIOUSLY AT BLAENAVON

 

BR 1954 Mk 1 Unclassed Restaurant Car built 1959 (RBr)

 

This vehicle was built as a Restaurant Buffet (RB) but was refurbished in the sixties as a Restaurant Buffet (Refurbished) (RBr).  It was purchased by the PBR in 1995.  It had an almost completely original kitchen on arrival, which, sadly, would not meet modern standards.  It was fitted with air-brakes only.  The need to fit vacuum brakes, and the cost of modyfying the kitchen was beyond PBR's means.  Although considered for use as a static catering facility, it was finally decided to dispose of it.

 

It left Blaenavon on 6 November 2006, for, so far as we understand, the Weardale Railway.

 

 

 

BR 3081 Mk 1 First Open built 1957

 

This vehicle is one of only two loco-hauled carriages known to have left the site (the other being the GWR Snake-C, 281 – see the Pre-nat file).  This unique experimental prototype vehicle was stored on site for the Bridgend Valleys Railway, but left for MoD Kineton in December 2000.  It is pictured here at the time when it was at Blaenavon

 

Image from VCT website, to which the above link refers