Description
This etch depicts the condition of these coaches as rebuilt. Completed originally in 1907 the first four, to lot 1131, could be considered part of the “Concertina” design, but the latter eight were “Toplights” with no recessed doors. On modernisation the original panelling was retained at the kitchen end but the saloon portion was given large picture windows with sliding vents to match contemporary coaching stock. Several different bogie types were used. The original 9′ American type were first replaced by 9′ plate, and by 1938 nos. 9534/8/41-4 had received 6-wheel bogies.
These coaches were very long lived. After rebuilding some were retained on premier services and in June 1961 no. 9540 was recorded on the 1.15 pm Paddington-Bristol. The capacity of the 70′ coach was such that an additional open dining coach was not required.
