GWR No. 4109... or is it 4103?

MYSTERY surrounds the identity of a grounded historic Cambrian coach body at the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway following the discovery of a second GWR number in two separate locations on the vehicle. It had always been believed that carriage had been No. 250 when operated by Cambrian Railways (CR) and then renumbered as 4109 by the GWR after the CR became part of the GWR during the Grouping. According to previous research, the coach was withdrawn in 1932, but this may be in doubt as the number 4103 has been uncovered on two separate door posts during the current refurbishment. Being key structural elements, they are not components which could easily have been swapped – unlike a door, for example. According to the Vintage Carriages Trust database, No. 4109 was withdrawn in 1934, becoming a grounded body at Lambourn Downs and losing its interior when used as a dwelling, before being preserved in 1989. Meanwhile, the renovation of the carriage which serves as the railway’s museum at Wallingford, continues. Most of the doors now open and close and are supported on their own hinges. Externally, the carriage is being restored to GWR chocolate and cream livery. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CWR via The RM editorial team on railway@mortons.co.uk