Fifth LRT Suburban coach enters traffic

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY Trust volunteers have completed the restoration of E43359, a Brake Second Suburban coach, giving the railway a five-coach Suburban rake which has now entered service on the railway.

This now allows the LRT’S Mk.1 coaches to be taken out of service for them to be prepared for Santa Special services in December. E43359 was built at York in 1955, featuring six passenger compartments and a guard’s compartment, with a seating capacity of 72 persons. It has taken three years to restore the coach at Pentrefelin Carriage & Wagon Works.

Internally, the luggage space within the guard’s compartment has been fitted with seats and space to accommodate wheelchair users and their travelling companions. Additionally, two windows have been installed on the end of the coach at the guard’s end, which provides views of the line when it is at the rear of the train.

Llangollen Railway Trust deputy chairman Phil Coles said: “The Suburban coaches will provide the regular set for weekend trains during the autumn period running through to Halloween.

“Either a steam or diesel locomotive will haul the train and offer for passengers an example of what it was like to travel into London in pre-electrification days.”

The newly overhauled coach made its inaugural runs on September 10 when it was attached to the other four Lr-based ‘Suburbans’, hauled by Class 26 5310.

Meanwhile, the final Mk.1 coach outstanding from the auction of Llangollen Railway PLC assets earlier this year has been moved to its new home, with TSO 4503 now located at the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.