

London & South Western Railway 320 - Lavatory 3rd (1900)
with Locomotive 323 "Bluebell".
This coach started life in 1900 as a 48-foot eight-compartment third. However it was lengthened to 58 feet in 1935 by the Southern Railway, by the addition of an extra compartment, and two lavatories serving only the centre two compartments.
One of the Bluebell's first two coaches, it saw use until withdrawn (for what were thought to be light repairs) after a decade in service. Considerable work was undertaken before the lower body-side panelling was stripped from it, revealing a completely rotten bottom-side, due to the body not being spaced off the underframe. After four years work, it was deemed more urgent to concentrate on the overhaul of the Bulleid stock which was then only 25 years old. In addition to new bottom side members, it probably requires new doors, but has a complete interior.