2006 updates
Updates by Hugh McQuade, Restoration Expert
December 2006
On return from Ramparts works, Derby, 4509 ran during the busy months of August and September in a basic maroon undercoat. Following the September Gala, 4509 was again withdrawn for further attention to complete the job,
Externally, some filling up of welds and buckles was followed by a full repaint to 1957 BR Maroon. Missing destination board brackets were manufactured and fitted to complete the 'as new' appearance. A great deal more time was spent on the interior, however.
Dark and damaged varnish was burned off all of the seat ends, and in the vestibule surrounding the lavatories. The veneers were restored using sanding and scraping techniques, then washing with oxalic acid. The saloon ceilings were repainted and the whole impression now is of cleanliness and light.
A new set of batteries was purchased for 4509 and installed, along with a slow speed charging device for the regulator box. This gadget enables charging to begin at about 18mph and continues as the train decelerates down to about 3mph. Previously, charging cut in at about 28mph and dropped out at around 21mph.
All of the tables in 4509 have been renovated, and two missing ones reinstated from scrapyard spares. Restored again as GE4509, the coach returned to traffic on 4 December in the BR Maroon 'set M' on Santa duties. Further work in the lavatories and two remaining vestibules will be carried out during the quiet January to March period.
Our other serviceable BR Mk1, Brake Second Corridor (BSK) No 35219 has had its four compartments reupholstered, using the replica 1947-53 period moquette. Asbestos under the seats was removed at the same time. Again, a new set of batteries has been purchased and fitted, along with another slow speed charger. 35219 did not come out of traffic for this work - it was simply fitted in between duties at Kidderminster, sometimes even in the platform at Kidderminster Town Station.
One of the first passengers to benefit from this work was a certain S Claus, who reserved one compartment as a changing room.
October 2006
In the paintshop is Mk1 Tourist Second Open (TSO) No 4509. After a contract repair at Derby, the interior required full redecoration. A volunteer job 20 years ago left it with 'hint of mahogany' varnish on seats and vestibules, lower walls and window frames. This has been getting burned off, scraped off and sanded off, then washed with oxalic acid to reduce stains from sooty water and bruises from luggage over 50 years in traffic.
The doors have been stripped and serviced, to take care of worn droplight guides and hinges. With the window frames out for varnishing, we discovered that many of the securing nuts and studs had been left out by the contractors. These have been retapped and installed to ensure no leaks occur any time soon. The paintwork as supplied by the contractor was a basic maroon undercoat to enable 4509 to be used in service in August. Further filling was needed to bring it up to the SVR's usual standard.
The finish we produce is as a result of the need to get a really smooth surface to prevent dirt and icy water from lodging in brush marks and cracks. This also enable cleaning to be less aggressive. As a spin-off, you see these showroom finishes which are impressive when new!
The Rolling Stock Trust has financed improvements to 4509 which are allowed under charity funding rules. A slow-speed charger unit has been installed in the regulator box. This will allow the batteries to take charge for more time while the vehicle is moving. Tests indicate this may be as low as 3-5mph! And a new set of batteries has been obtained at a very advantageous rate, so that 4509 will be electrically well set up.
The old batteries still have plenty of life in them, and will be used as fleet spares for other Mark 1s in the Maroon set.
PRICE LIST: Batteries £325. Charger Unit £48. Destination Board Brackets £192.
The Rolling Stock Trust's Mk1 Brake Second, 35219, is about to have its original seats reupholstered and returned to the vehicle. These have been in storage upstairs at Kidderminster for five years - with rather thin cloth. Reproduction 1947-1950s moquette had already been purchased by the Trust earlier in the year. 35219 will regain its original seats after the October half-term week's running, and has already gained a slow-speed charger, funded by the Trust. A set of new batteries is also to be provided in October, releasing another set with life left for use this winter as fleet spares. 35219 still requires a small amount of welding and a full repaint - maybe as part of the overhaul of set N in 2007.
PRICE LIST: Reupholstery (contractor costs) £2,400. Moquette £18/metre (40m) £720. Slow speed Charger £48. Batteries £325.
July 21: TSO 4509 was sent away to Rampart Carriage & Wagon Co, Derby, by the SVR to have welding done, particularly around the gangways and lavatory areas. Other tasks to be included were rebedding of all main glasses and roof vents, strip off all paint from roof sides and ends, examine for corrosion and patch weld as required around windows and door edges. Before departure from SVR, the Kidderminster Carriage repairers based in the Carriage Shed, Gary and Shane, removed all of the upholstery which is only about 12 years old, for safekeeping and to give Ramparts a clear field of vision. In order for 4509 to be released from traffic, it was agreed that it would be filled, primed and returned in undercoat, capable of being quickly put into service for the busy August-September period, and later withdrawn for proper finishing and interior redecoration by Kidderminster Paintshop. As received at Kidderminster on 12 July, 4509 immediately presents a better image than before it left. About 95% of the repair work needed for its full overhaul has been taken care of at Ramparts, leaving plumbing, tiling and trim tasks to do in the lavatories. It will require ceilings to be painted and all of the seat sides stripped bare and revarnished, plus a good rub back on walls in the saloons to make the interior look like a vehicle that has just had £26,000 spent on it.
May 24: TSO 4509 is due to leave the SVR on Wednesday for Rampart at Derby, where it will receive repairs to the bodywork, gangways and doors. It should return to the SVR after 4-6 weeks, when it will be repainted and, hopefully, re-upholstered before it returns to service.
May 21: The Rolling Stock Trust has become the owner of Mk1 BSK no M35219, formerly the property of the 6000 Loco Association and Steam in Hereford Ltd.
The 6000 LA and Steam in Hereford have now wound up, and have distributed their remaining assets to a number of non-profit-making organisations, including the Trust.
35219 has been on the SVR for some years now, but was used by the 6000 LA as their support coach; it has covered thousands of miles on the main line behind no 6000 King George V.
The Trust is now making plans for the vehicle to be repaired, repainted and re-upholstered.
Our sincere thanks to the 6000 LA / SIH for this generous gift, and we look forward to their members visiting for a trip in the coach.
May 1: The Rolling Stock Trust has funded the manufacture of 350 metres of new upholstery fabric to a BR 1950s pattern, as part of its aim that its vehicle should be restored as closely as possible to their original condition.
We plan to use this cloth in both 4509 and 35219, while some will be sold to Steve Downs for use in his LMS brake third 26680, which is now nearing completion at Bridgnorth.
April 5: Launch of new website.