Maunsell coaches for Swanage - third Bulleid to follow

A full ‘vintage train’ of Maunsell and Bulleid coaches is in prospect at the Swanage Railway to strengthen its 1950s Southern Region feel. 1930-built Maunsell Third Open No. 1381 arrived back on the ‘Purbeck Line’ on February 21, having had its bodywork restored and bogies overhauled by contractor Ramparts of Barrow Hill. Swanage volunteers have now begun fitting out its interior. Ramparts has now turned its attention to 1933-built example No. 1346, with the roof canvas applied, the panelling being refitted, and the gangways ready to go back on; completion is anticipated later this year. They will be used to form a rake with alreadyoperational Bulleid Brake Third No. 4365 and Composite No. 5761, while a third Bulleid - Brake Third No. 4366 - will be restored later, thus completing a typical Southern threecoach Bulleid set. Other Maunsell vehicles in the Swanage Railway collection are Third Open No. 1323, which was once part of a push-pull set, and Brake Corridor Composites Nos. 6697 and 6699 - both of the latter being former push-pull driving trailers. General Manager Matt Green confirmed that the restoration of a push-pull set, to run with ‘M7’ 0-4-4T No. 30053 and recreate a Swanage branch train, remains a long-term aim.