New Mk.1 coach for SRPS fleet

THE Scottish Railway Preservation Society has bought another Mk.1 First Open Coach to bolster its main line fleet for the 2023 season.

The coach, No. 3112, built between 1961 and 1963 at Swindon Works under Lot No. 697, was purchased by SRPS from Riviera Trains at Eastleigh and moved to Bo’ness in April.

Currently in the diesel shed, it has already been stripped down and will receive extensive repairs to the body as a result of corrosion to the soleplate, crash pillars, and floor.

The SRPS has already raised £48,000 towards the project, which will see No. 3112 updated to modern main line standards. A further £10,000 is estimated to be required to complete the rebuild, with online donation available at http://cafdonate.cafonline.org/20942

Hoping to be completed in time for the 2023 running season, the coach will join three other first class coaches in the SRPS rake for use on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway dining trains and main line railtours.

➜ The next SRPS tour is on Saturday, August 20, to Chester and Llandudno. For further details, visit www.srps.org.uk/railtours/rt220820.htm

BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 Pacific No. 70000 Britannia and West Country 4-6-2 No. 34046 Braunton double-head the return Saphos Rail ‘The Golden Hind’ from Plymouth to Slough past Cockwood Harbour on the evening of July 13. THOMAS MILLS

Another Mk.1 First Open Coach has now joined the Scottish Railway Preservation Society fleet. SRPS