‘BLOOD AND CUSTARD’ LNER RAKE FOR ‘POPPY LINE’
A unique rake of crimson and cream LNER coaches is in prospect at the North Norfolk Railway following the arrival of Thompson Brake Corridor Third No. E1866E.
Thanks to a legacy from a long-standing member, the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society has acquired the 1950-built carriage from former Llangollen Railway Chairman Peter Lund, who had almost completed its restoration.
Originally preserved at Dinting as a support coach for ‘A2’ No. 60532 Blue Peter, the vehicle had its compartments stripped out for Departmental use, and will therefore have an open passenger saloon with disabled access and a bar. It is hoped to complete it for its 70th anniversary in 2020.
It will join Gresley buffet car No. E9128E (restored) and Gresley Third Corridor
No. E12493E and Tourist Third Open No. 52256 (both awaiting restoration) in the society’s planned ‘main line’ set. Originally to be LNER teak, the rake is now to carry the early 1950s BR colour scheme instead.
Explaining the change of emphasis in the latest issue of the society’s magazine Joint Line, Nigel Scarlett of the Joint Heritage Coach Fund wrote: “Our experience of the upkeep of the ‘Quad-Arts’ means there would be a question mark as to whether we could satisfactorily keep another four coaches in the same condition, given all the other coach work we deal with annually. If anyone wants to see a teak main line set, the Severn Valley and North Yorkshire Moors can oblige.”
The Thompson was purchased because the brake vehicle originally earmarked for the ‘main line’ rake – Great Eastern Railway Brake Third Corridor No. 295 – will now be used to provide disabled access with the ‘Quad-Art’ set.