Southern Railway - Maunsell Carriage No.1309
Open Third (built in 1935)

Photos: Richard Salmon

Type: Open Third
Built: 1935; underframe at Lancing, body at Eastleigh
Original No: 1309
Other Nos: S1309S, 081642
Seating: 56 3rd class
Length: 59'
Restriction: 4
Weight: 32 Tons
Withdrawn: 1962
Preserved: 1973
To Bluebell: 1/3/1973

This coach shows the later Maunsell design, with flush-glazed windows. Its interior is an open saloon arrangement, divided into three sections by internal partitions. On withdrawal much of its interior was removed, and it served as a mobile office on BR. On arrival on the Bluebell it became the carriage department mess coach, but in 1981 its restoration commenced, using components from similar vehicles (the identical No.1306 and contemporary electric stock) which had gone for scrap in the 1970s, as well as some components made from scratch.

With restoration completed in 1984 it won the first ever national "Coach of the Year" Award. Initially reserved for use on the "Bluebell Cutler" dining trains, and subsequently used for the extension shuttle, it has now taken its place as one of our general fleet of service vehicles.

This photo (December 2003) shows the seating in No.1309, as trimmed in "chain link" moquette. The original style of jazz pattern moquette has now been reproduced, and will probably be used next time this coach requires a re-trim.