Tourist Third Open No 43600

Like many other main line railways, the LNER was predominantly equipped with a large and varied fleet of compartment carriages until the 1930s. Changes in social habits and improved construction techniques around that time led to the appearance of the ‘open’ coach. Side doors were provided only at the vehicle ends, reducing draughts, and every passenger was seated at a table – appealing to travellers and convenient for restaurant and buffet car sales staff. 43600 is one of four Gresley Open Thirds on the SVR. It was built at York in 1934 to Diagram 186 and is significant as being one of the first LNER vehicles with a welded chassis, which made it one ton lighter than a fabricated chassis. Along with the similar Trust owned 52255, after withdrawal from public service in 1961 43600 also served in the 1960s as part of a BR Eastern Region Control Office train, which was intended for use in the event of nuclear war.

A detailed article on the ER Emergency Control Trains, from June 1981 Railway World, is featured on the LNER Coach Association website.

43600 was purchased by the LNER (SVR) Coach Fund, and with then privately owned 52255, came to the SVR in 1980. The Coach Fund was involved in the mid-1980s in the external restoration of both these carriages to 1935 livery. Together with Buffet Car No 643 (separately owned by the SVR Holdings Company), these three vehicles provided the Gresley presence on the SVR for many years. Their high seating capacity means they work hard for their living in daily SVR public service. The interiors of these Third Opens remain very much a compromise with their BR Mark 1 seating. The Trust Company’s LNER Carriage Group has detailed plans for giving 43600 the ‘Gresley touch’, these plans having been inherited from the LNER (SVR) Coach Fund, which had already started fund raising prior to 43600’s transfer to the Trust.

How to help with the improvements of 43600.

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