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Southern Railway - Bulleid 1456 Open Third (built in 1947)
Richard Salmon

Built as part of a six-coach dining set for the Waterloo to Bournemouth line, these coaches were distinguished from other Bulleid designed coaches by the continuation of the bodyside sheeting down, covering the sole-bar, and the ends, which were painted green, rather than the normal black. It also differs from the later (BR built) Bulleid coaches by having shallower sliding lights (the opening parts of the main windows).

It was acquired by the National Railway Museum, and placed on loan to the Bluebell. Unfortunately, its restoration could not be contemplated in the absence of a very long-term loan agreement. Recently, however, the NRM carried out a re-appraisal of their collection, and concluded that the best course of action for the continued preservation of this coach was to transfer its ownership to the Bluebell.

It is not (despite appearances) in too bad condition, and is substantially complete, although it had been used as an office at Brighton, and later, St. Leonard's, and some fittings were stolen from it whilst in storage prior to transfer to the Bluebell. Its restoration to traffic is considered possible during the duration of our current (1998) "ten-year plan". The major work that would have to be done is the replacement of all the external steel sheeting and window frames, and the building of the missing seating units.