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British Railways - Standard Steam Stock (Mk.1)
4921 - TSO (Tourist Second Open) built in 1962
Richard Salmon

This Vehicle has now been sold

The designation TSO identified the higher capacity 2+2 seating of coaches such as this, from the standard SO, with 2+1 seating. The 2+2 arrangement was the standard on the Southern and Western Regions of BR, while the West and East coast main-lines, with longer journey times preferred to give passengers more space.

This coach was one of twelve overhauled at Cardiff in 1989 to form the "Travelling College" train, which, it was intended, should carry parties of school-children around the country on educational tours. The venture was commercially unsuccessful, and the Bluebell subsequently bought all twelve vehicles. Three of the coaches, including this one, were used as lecture rooms, and were only slightly altered from their BR condition. This coach did, however, have one seating bay removed to make way for a photocopier. Over the last few years the missing seats have been re-instated to return the coach to serviceable condition.

With four Bulleid and three Maunsell open thirds on the railway, together with two Mk.1 TSOs, this particular vehicle has never been required for service. With the conversion of ex-Travelling College dormitary coach 5034 into a multi-purpose TSO/Disabled saloon, No.4921 became surplus to our requirements and was sold in November 2000.