6045 Collett corridor composite - Restoration

In December 2014 Collett corridor composite 6045 moved to Bewdley so we could make a start to restore it to its former glory - we have our work cut out!

How you can help - 6045 appeal.

6045 was in traffic again over the Christmas period as part of the 4 coach set of GW(SVR) A coaches 650, 7284, 6045 and 9103. Graham Gardener took a few photos of 6045 on the train from Bridgnorth 28th December.

We're very pleased to see 6045 in traffic for the first time over the festive season as part of the special 4 coach set comprising GW(SVR) A coaches 650, 7284, 6045 and 9103. Seen here at Bewdley station on 26th December 2020. Photos: Mick Haynes.

Three photos of the interior of 6045. We have gone to great lengths to make these as authentic as possible - enjoy! Photos: Dave Smith.

1st Class compartment.

3rd Class compartment.

View along the corridor.

With lockdown easing we can finish the remaining jobs to get 6045 ready for service.

New toilet door closer in the first class toilet.

The specially manufactured carpets are now installed in all the first class compartments.

Broadside view of 6045 as it's shunted out of the Kidderminster works over to the carriage shed where we'll finish off the last remaining work.

Close up of the newly overhauled GWR 7ft bogie. The overhauled vacuum cylinder, brake rodding and dynamo have also been installed completing the mechanical work.

One of the first class compartments showing the specially manufactured carpet with GWR monogram.

6045 has been moved over to the works at Kidderminster and is now sitting on its own bogies.

6045 Nigel tightening the bearing spring hangers to correct the ride height.

Painting the corridor side is now complete. Just the locks to be set up.

Progress on 2nd bogie with brake links and blocks being fitted.

Close up of bow girder and hanger receiving new pins.

With the compartment side now finished...

...we've now started on the corridor side. Here in primer.

Photos: Rob Massey

The compartment side is now painted, lined and lettered! It will be turned later next week and we then will do the corridor side.

View from the third class end.

GWR Coat of arms, GWR and number.

Views from the first class end.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Filling commenced at Kidderminster.

Both bogies now nearing completion.

Some repairs on the bolsters.

It's planned to grit blast the second bogie next week. The coach is back on its accommodation bogies and external paint preparation has begun.

6045 is back on accommodation bogies and moved back in the works for external painting to begin.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The first bogie is ready except for bolster spring hanger bolts.

The axleboxes clean and overhauled.

The second bogie is awaiting grit blasting.

The first bogie is now in gloss and the bushed brake hanger brackets have been rivetted back on. Thanks to the Bridgnorth boiler shop assistance.

Riveting in progress.

A brake hanger bracket re-riveted.

Bracket after hanging.

The bolster and bearing springs.

The wheetsets now in gloss.

The first bogie main frames in gloss.

Photos: Colin Jenkins.

The bogie frame and wheelsets at Kidderminster following grit blasting.

Close-ups of the wheelsets - one is manufactured in Dec 1925 and one Jan 1926.

Work is currently concentrating on the bogie overhaul at Kidderminster. The first bogie is receiving a full mechanical overhaul and shortly it will be shot blasted and painted in primer. The next job will be to remove the bolster.

One of the four bow girders being machined in the special lathe.

Bogie parts and brake gear linkage cleaned and painted in primer and black.

One of the bogies showing the bolster and the hanger brackets ready for re-riveting.

With 6045 now largely complete it's been moved up to the carriage shed at Kidderminster so make way for our next project. The final external painting plus the bogie and brake overhaul still to be complete.

6045 waiting to move to Kidderminster with some of the restoration team.

Photos: Dave Smith.

Progress has concentrated mainly on the doors and toilets. The outside door panels are also being permanently fixed.

First class door with luncheon advert and brass lock cover.

First class compartment door nearing completion.

Progress with the third class doors now ready for scumbling.

The third class toilet with paper holder and GW bin.

The first class toilet now with walnut door stop.

The intermediate door is now ready for glazing.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The lino has now been laid in the corridor and compartments.

All of the external 1st class doors have the lower walnut panel fitted and 7 out of 8 have had the droplights installed.

Now the lino is down the compartment sliding doors can be rehung. The first newly varnished 1st class door is now in.

Photos: Gareth Price

We are currently fitting the slam locks to eternal doors and the intermediate door along the corridor. And we're ready for the lino to be installed shortly.

1st class lock and panel fitted.

3rd class weather strips now scumbled.

3rd class slam lock ready to fit.

Intermediate door walnut side - the first class side.

Intermediate door mahogany side - the 3rd class side.

Close up of the intermediate door.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

The door strike plate, lock backplate and dovetails fitted. The GWR 5043 Wheelchair and Buffet Project is in the background.

First class compartments with walnut panel above the seat fitted.

Another view of the first class compartment with seat numbers.

Weather strips being fitted above each door.

The corridor floor being levelled ready for the lino.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

We have been concentrating on the external doors along the corridor side. This example is receiving its fittings after completion of hanging and alignment.

Both the first and third class toilets have received vinyl floor coverings and covers over the flush valves.

The pictures and mirrors have been fitted to all the first and third class compartments.

The varnishing of the first class corridor window mouldings and corridor wall is also complete.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

A view along the corridor - all coming together nicely now.

Walnut door jamb mouldings installed.

A close up of the varnished walnut mouldings.

The vestibule lights, now refurbished and ready to be installed.

Stepboards now fitted.

Door no. T5 now set-up correctly.

Progress with First Class compartment no. three, the last one to be completed.

Quarterlight frames have been varnished ready for the glass.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

We've been making good progress with luggage racks, more corridor fittings and installed the pictures in compartment no. 6 for last weekend's members day.

Third class compartment no. 6 with pictures fitted in the view frames.

First class compartment no. 2 with luggage rack installed.

First class compartment with luggage racks, light fittings and light switches installed.

A view along the corridor with cable cover installed.

The first class toilet seat now varnished.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

Third class compartment with completed luggage racks.

First class compartment no. 2 refitted.

Door no. seven fitting nicely now.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Third class compartment no. six with luggage netting completed.

The corridor hand rails in walnut with polished brass brackets.

The toilet floor screed finished, with coving but it proved too cold to complete the floor at the time.

All three third class compartments are up to the same standard with panelling varnished and seats fixed.

We are virtually at the same point with one of the first class compartments.

Progress in the third class toilet. Varnished loo seat fitted and transfers around the taps added.

The corridor handrails have been installed in the third class end.

Over on the back road, the LNER coach fund volunteers are making good progress on the new framework of former Association coach 5043 in it's conversion into a buffet coach with wheelchair access.

The luggage rack brackets and seat numbers have also been fitted.

The newly upholstered seat cushions are tried for the first time.

Further cleaning up and repainting has taken place in our workshop, Collett Full Brake 98.

Photos: Gareth Price.

Two photos showing the nearly complete 3rd class compartments.

Photos: Rob Massey

A view down the corridor with communication cord tubing added.

One of the exterior corner capping temporarily fitted.

We have now begun the final fitting out of the compartments. They have been emptied of spare parts, we have finished the ceilings and are now fitting out the panelling and beading.

The ceiling painted and picture rail moulding in place.

Compartment 7 being fitted out...

...another view including the mahogany 'sausage' shaped strip, which protects the birch from luggage damage, and the communication cord fittings.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The ceilings are almost complete and ready for finishing off.

The first class toilet seat in place as well as pan and associated plumbing.

The first class toilet with ceiling window and washbasin are now complete.

A view along the corridor showing varnished first class pelmets and finished ceiling.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Plenty of interior painting currently, on the ceilings and toilets.

First class compartment ceiling now with light fittings...

...and looking towards the corridor.

The first class toilet in undercoat.

Painting in progress in the third class toilet.

Looking along the third class corridor which has been scumbled.

First class external door fittings being installed.

Photos: Mick Haynes

28th October
6045 has now left the paintshop. It has been up to Kidderminster to swap bogies in preparation for overhaul and is now back at Bewdley where work continues in the yard.

New transparent tarpaulins have been fitted, these should allow more natural light in while we continues to restore the interior.

The south end gangway has been installed together with its canvas, this should give additional protection ready for the winter.

Out of the paintshop at Bewdley. By the way, we haven't installed oil lamps! These are car tyres placed around each ventilators to prevent the tarpaulin snagging.

The toilet ceiling is installed and painting has begun.

Photos: Mick Haynes

3rd October
The roof is now complete and the corridor side windows have been installed.

Work on the corridor external doors continues - this is big job!

A view along the completed roof.

The large windows have been fitted along the corridor side.

And a view on the corridor side.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Roof repairs now complete, with all the furniture attached and green primmer applied.

Photos: Gareth Price

The corridor ceiling are being made, fitted and painted - but not yet screwed into place.

The first class vestibule ceiling reinstated.

The gutter plates have been attached and shell roof ventilators reinstated.

All but one of the compartment doors are complete. The third of the first class sliding doors is now fully repaired and varnished.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

With 6045 in Bewdley paintshop progress continues with roof with wooden gutters being attached, new water tanks being prepared to be installed, bolts for the “G” handles being carefully installed, more varnishing and scumblng. We are now working on corridor ceilings.

Wooden gutters attached.

G handle bolts now in place.

Kerbs being set up for the new water tanks.

Third class compartment doors varnished.

And the First class compartment doors being varnished.

Third class corridor now scumbled.

New flaps for the step boards. These fit over the axleboxes.

P1070867 Pattress for corridor ceiling lights.

Machined first class corridor handrail brackets.

Photos: Mick Haynes.

Door repairs continuing. Photo: Colin Jenkins

A busy workshop with Robin coating new tread-plates. Photo: Colin Jenkins

Progress with the roof edges. Photo: Colin Jenkins

Light fittings for compartments. Photo: Mick Haynes

Light pattresses with bulb holders. Photo: Mick Haynes

Corridor side roof edge renewed. Photo: Mick Haynes

The supports for corridor cornices are now in place. Photo: Mick Haynes

6045 is now in the paint shop for the roof repairs.

The new roof edges beginning to be attached.

One of the compartment doors after attention from Colin Jenkins. He is using his skills to make sure they are fit well and match the profile.

Regulator door now with the spare fuses notice in place and varnished.

The walnut vestibule door has been repaired and completed ready for installation.

The ceiling ash trays under the ventilators have been reinstated.

Also the ceiling light reflectors are being painted and the stepboards have been painted and just await the flaps.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The carriage is in the workshop now with the rotten roof edge cut out ready to be replaced.

The scumbling of the regulator cupboard and compartment exterior wall in the third class end.

Photos: Mick Haynes

6045 inside the paint shop at Bewdley.

The two roof tanks - note the dual purpose version.

Third class corridor wall being prepared for graining.

Photos: Mick Haynes

6045 trial fitting the new stepboards, now outside the paintshop.

Fitting of pelmets over the third class toilet door.

Third class backs and bases are now upholstered.

New birch ply panelling almost complete in corridor.

The re-wiring in first class compartments continues.

Repairs to first class toilet floors.

Progress with the corridor door between the third and first class.

Picture frames views from Gloucester...

...Cheltenham...

...and Goring.

Photos: Mick Haynes

We're all set for the Open House Weekend - do call by!

Repairs to the cantrail before it enters the paint shop for gutter repairs.

The first class ceiling panels progressing...

...and and third class.

A view of the third class toilet window.

The finished first class toilet door in walnut.

The new first class seat bases have been delivered.

One of the first class seat with its base propped up.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The completed toilet door for the third class varnished and with its 'LAVATORY' transfer.

The new third class picture frames as varnished.

One of the 7 ceiling panels now screwed into its final position.

The internal window mouldings in new walnut. 3 frames were missing in the first class but we have all the ones we need for the third class.

A selection of photographs to go into the picture frames for the first and third classes. These will be scanned, printed oversize and then trimmed to fit the frame and have captions added.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The walnut compartment door now varnished...

...the same door viewed from inside the compartment.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Some of the new corridor ceiling hoops.

First of the new corridor ceiling hoops in place.

The first third class ceiling panel offered up.

Further of the new ceiling hoops now fixed in place.

We have commenced cleaning down and varnishing the corridor sliding doors. Above is the second of the four first class doors cleaned down.

We have also begun making new ceiling panels, here's one of the new panels which go above the picture frames...

...and one of the first class panels. The “hole” is where the ventilator will go.

Photos: Mick Haynes

A very Happy Christmas and New Year to all our readers and supporters!

Seat back E (in compartment 3) has just been upholstered and returned along with a sample pull-up strap.

Ceiling framework repairs and renewals in compartments 4, 5 and 6.

Steps and gangway suspension brackets added to south end.

A new direction board pointing the way to 1145 sign-written by Bob Timmins.

Picture frame panel with the heating control fitted.

The new walnut and birch ply panels trial fitted onto rebuilt section of corridor screen.

Photos: Rob Massey

First class back G is nearing completion.

The first class panels on the exterior wall are being gilded.

Third class vestibule door looking good.

Work has begun on more third class picture frames.

A few original corridor ceiling frames are being steam bent to regain their shape.

Third class toilet door has been hung.

End panels now being bedded and screwed and the exterior of the vestibule door.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Externally, the fitting of the new panelling along the corridor side has progressed to the final panel at the north end.

Work is progressing on the third class 'sausages' that go behind the luggage racks to prevent damage from luggage to the birch ply panel.

The new toilet door to the first class toilet in walnut fits well.

More first class compartment panelling on the non-corridor side has been completed.

The first class picture frames need careful fitting against the heater controls.

With the first class seats two are now completed with new upholstery and the second original back is now being repaired ready for upholstery.

Two are already at the upholsters nearly ready.
Now all the third class backs and bases have been modified new side panels have been made and they will now be fitted along with the arm rests.

The third class door in utile is ready for fitting.

Photos: Mick Haynes

A third class base fitted, but it's yet to be re-upholstery.

The last of the walnut picture frames being fitted.

First class seat base with trial cushions and another base resting on top.

The first class panelling for the outside wall.

Some panels need flattening out.

The new first class toilet door in walnut.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The structural repairs to the north end framework are complete and the panels fitted.

The third class vestibule door vestibule door re-panelled, repaired and varnished.

The first class back now re-worked.

One of First class seat bases under construction.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Elsewhere; the repainting of GWR 813 has been a GWSVRA job over the last couple of weeks and here is the almost finished result. It will return to Bridgnorth for signwriting and varnishing. Photos: Bob Massey.

2426 Churchward Toplight Full Third was released from duties at Hampton Loade on 15th September and is seen here at Kidderminster shortly after arrival. Photo: Bob Massey.

Third class view frames with sample pictures in place.

First class picture frames looking better.

First class back being trial fitted- the piping will be replaced.

Toilet window frames in position.

New dynamo retaining spring delivered and installed.

South end vestibule door re-panelled and repaired.

Third class corridor wall grained.

Through control box scumbled and all complete.

New end panels primed ready to go on.

Repair to the north end frame to take the lower rubbing plate.

The lamp holders for the first of the compartments.

Meanwhile 6562 is fresh out of Bewdley paint shop (though still waiting interior graining) in preparation for this year's Special Train 'Collett to Bridgnorth' running on Saturday 22nd October 2016

Photos: Mick Haynes

The compartment side top panelling now being fitted.

Third class toilet tiling now complete.

A look along the corridor of 6045.

Newly installed third class corridor herringbone T&G.

Newly installed third class picture frames.

New first class seat back and more framing in place in the first class.

First class toilet ready for tiling.

Lighting switch on final panel sycamore graining.

Wiring now nice and tidy.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The final framework is now repaired on the south end corridor corner post.

The first class toilet repair is progressing well with a trial fitting of the first class washbasin.

Plumbing has begun in the third class toilet.

The seat base supports in the first class are being installed and the timber for the seat bases is on order.

The dynamo support bracket are complete. We are waiting for new retaining springs.

Additional copies of the luncheon basket adverts have been printed.

Also, the north end gangway is now in black.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The compartment sliding door locks have been repaired and polished.

The first class toilet exterior now ready to receive its T&G.

The new structural framework is receiving danish oil and primer for longevity.

The tiling of the Third Class toilet is progressing well.

The corridor side framing is nearing completion.

Here's the third first class seat back ready for upholstery.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The first class framework repairs along the corridor side are almost complete.

Trial fitting of the third class wash basin.

The overhauled regulator in place.

The first class door R1 being fitted.

Original tiles in the first class toilet being cleaned off.

New dynamo brackets being made.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Compartment 2 with restored panelling.

Another view of compartment 2.

The first class tongue and groove panelling being installed.

The first four external panels in place on compartment side.

A new footboard brackets being installed.

The third class toilet exterior wall ready for tiling.

The third class walls also having tongue and groove reinstated.

The through control and main light switch wired in.

Two windows complete along the corridor side framework.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The first class panels are being fitted...

A third class door with lock fitted and newly made window frames.

Dave busy stripping a corridor pelmet.

The third class toilet walls prepared and ready for tiling.

The frame repairs along the corridor side are progressing.

...with gilding around the panels

Some of the new first class seat base supports.

The vacuum pipe has been removed ready for cleaning and preparation for painting.

A sample for the Third Class upholstery.

The running board supports will be repaired next.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The final section of framing completes the compartment side.

The first varnished mahogany in the third class.

The compartment wall is receiving the wood panels for the arm rests and seat supports.

The corridor side frame work removed in preparation for rebuilding.

Door R4 in first class is now fitted.

These round objects are the start of the patressses for the compartment lights.

Sample of original seat upholstery for the Upholsterer to copy.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The exterior framework is nearly complete along the compartment side.

1st class door, this one is from our stores.

1st class door, this one an original 6045 survivor.

3rd class door, this one is also from our stores.

A view along the corridor with all doors now hung.

One of the refurbished corridor door suspension rails.

Sycamore (birch ply) panels added to the 1st class vestibule.

Fitting out the electrical regulator cupboard with the first components added.

Photos: Rob Massey

The new first class back now with springs fitted.

Michael fixing the back for the third class arm rests.

The vestibule end in first class - lovely walnut.

Through control cupboard made and fixed ready for wiring.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The new regulator cupboard is now fixed in place.

R6 doorlock now set up.

Another 1st class seat back now waiting its new springs.

The new framework in the first class compartment R2.

The First class corridor end walnut panelling has cleaned up well.

Another shot of the first class end waiting new sycamore panels.

We are preparing to make some additional transfers including the 1st and 3rd door transfers. Thanks to Didcot GWS for the loan of originals.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Progress is good along the compartment side with all the third class and two first class compartment’s framework made. The first class corridor wall is being cleaned down and has its first varnish.

Brian and Paul have also successfully rehung the first of the doors.

First class framework progressing.

New knee irons and stainless bolts.

Door R4 rehung in the new frame.

The last of the exterior door repaired.

The Didcot team have generously built the new electrical cupboard as they could copy one from their own bow ender.

The first class corridor wall cleaned and the walnut varnished.

Another view along the corridor.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The new seat back in position in first class compartment no 3, also showing rebuilt corridor screen. Photo: Rob Massey

A before shot of framing between third class compartments 5 and 6. Photo: Rob Massey

Another view of the condition framework and bottom rail before repair. Photo: Paul Dorney

The rebuilt framing between third class compartments 5 and 6. Photo: Rob Massey

Looking along all four rebuilt sections of third class framing. Photo: Rob Massey

The four rebuilt sections of third class framing - the working conditions not the best at this time of year! Photo: Rob Massey

New framework in the south end toilet.

Compartment R7 with the framework repaired.

Compartment R6 with window bottom framing away for copying.

One of the First Class seat frames nearing completion.

Door top rails about to be fitted.

photos: Mick Haynes

Dave and Rob measuring up for corridor walnut paneling.

The toilet framework is almost complete.

The south end sliding door framework remade.

Dave cleaning off toilet fittings.

Dave measuring twice before cutting once on the new seat backs.

Robin’s newly painted ceiling vents and drip trays.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Brian and Dave working on replacing the missing corridor wall.

The corridor south-end ceiling frame now in place.

The south end toilet ceiling also replaced.

The first of new framework in place.

The railway side panels removed for framework repair with Michael Bradley helping.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Now the floors are complete, attention is being given to replacing the missing corridor wall and the south end toilet frame.

Many of the original or replacement parts have been identified and offered up.

Meanwhile more of the rail side doors are being re-hung and the fittings being cleaned up and fitted. New door styles are required and Brian has made box jigs which will help for future door repairs.

Door 6 needed a new lock style and door 5 has needed new lock and hinge styles. Most of the metal parts have been cleaned down and we will now move onto cleaning the mahogany and walnut parts.

Door R6 with new lock style and now rehung.

The first class door fittings now restored in walnut.

The south end corridor ceiling frame being prepared.

The south end toilet framework being re-instated.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The new floor in the end vestibule.

The first class seat and seat-back in position.

The new corridor floor installed.

Photos: Mick Haynes

The final door on the town side has be repaired and re-hung.

A sample of a door receiver and jam and window frames have been removed for replicating.

A closer view of the removed door jam.

All the first class flooring has now been installed.

An example of how the first class internal frames will look like with guilding.

A repaired door for the railway side ready to be re-hung.

One of 6045's distinctive walnut first class door panels.

Photos: Mick Haynes

We are presently working on 6045 to finish the painting of the underframe and the gusset plate repairs so that the floor can go down.

All seven doors on the town side are now repaired and we are starting on the railway-side doors although they looking a big job.

The battery boxes should be installed shortly and the main frame repairs will begin this month.

6045 door T6 going back together.

6045 first door on the railway-side, a few repairs needed here.

6045 first class steam heat racks going in.

The underframe being painted and gusset plates repaired - note steam heat pipe work and control linkage.

The buffer springs and drawbar also painted.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Presently we are working on the new first class armrests, removing the west side panels to expose the frame for repairs and finishing off the rebuilt doors with inner and outer skins

An original first class armrest which we are replicating...

...the new first class armrests being prepared.

6045 west side panels being removed which were later temporarily reattached.

The bottom stringer will need facing the the door jam on the left will be replaced.

Door paneling repaired and reinstated.

Repaired door no. 5 with new skin.

A few of the door jams are in good condition. These will be used as patterns to make the new ones.

Photos: Mick Haynes

6045 in the cattle dock at Bewdley with five external doors overhauled and rehung.

The first class toilet floor exposed for repairs.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Underfame cleaned and painted ready for the compartment floor to go back in.

The corridor floor removed to expose the underframe for repair.

We are making good progress with the doors, floor, underfame and first class seat backs

One of the original seat backs under refurbishment inside our workshop, full brake No 98.

A kit of newly manufactured first class back parts copied from the surviving original.

A view of the painted underframe. The vacuum cylinder is being moved back to its original position.

The brake shaft has been repositioned to align with the Vacuum cylinder.

A new floor has been laid in two of the compartments.

Dave and Rob re-hanging the 4th door to be repaired.

Photos: Mick Haynes

6045 has dried out very well and we are progressing the compartment floors and the first class doors as well as new seat frames.

A third class compartment floor removed for repair and painting of the underframe.

The exposed underframe receiving paint.

The surviving first class seat base has been cleaned up to form a sample to copy others from.

One of the first class doors stripped for repair.

The first set of battery box brackets.

Meanwhile 1257 has been repainted and is now being prepared for a new floor.

Photos: Mick Haynes

Between changing the tarpaulins here's 6045 without its cover.

On 6045's arrival at Bewdley we gathered the working party, from the left we have: Chris Haynes, Barney Martin, Bob Massey, Mick Haynes, Robin Organ, Dave Massey, Dave Orchard, Brian Lowe, Michael Bradley and Paul Dorney.

Work has concentrated on drying the coach out and the new tarpaulins have done the job. We have catalogued and labelled all the items in the coach and now moved them to storage in Bewdley.

The kit of parts is quite comprehensive but it will all need cleaning, repairing and painting over the next few years.

Work has begun on removing the floor composite and we will expose the underframe and paint it as well as repairing the gusset plates.



The knee irons are looking a bit worn so they will need repairing.

The third class compartments had two heaters and one of the originals is still there.

The first class doors have a distinctive mahogany panel and we have all but one available.

The first class toilet compartment has many of its distinctive features still there but painted over.

Work will now proceed on the floors and rehanging the doors that had ‘become detached’.

Photos: Mick Haynes

6045 arrives at Bewdley. The first jobs are in preparation to dismantling; labeling the coach parts and to remove the old corrugated sheets and compound to expose the wood frame ready to repair the gusset plates. Also we will start cleaning down underframe.

One of the first class compartments.

A first class sliding compartment door.

View along the corridor.

A first class exterior door.

Photos: Mick Haynes