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British Railways Standard Steam Stock (Mk.I)
Second Open (SO) No.4941 – built in 1962


BR Mk.I SO 4941

Richard Salmon

Type: Diagram 89 Second Open (SO, later TSO)
Built: 1962, at BR Wolverton Works (Lot 30690)
Original No: M4941
Other Nos: 4941, TCL 99169
Seating: 64 2nd class
Body Length: 64' 6"
Weight: 37 tons
Withdrawn: 1988 and 1992
Preserved: 1993
To Bluebell: 26/11/1993


The designation TSO was adopted across BR from early 1967 to identify the 64-seat capacity 2+2 seating of coaches such as this, from the 48-seat SO, with 2+1 seating (such as No.4824). The 48-seat vehicles were originally built only for the LM Region. From 1956 (when Third Class was re-designated Second) to this time, both types had been designated SO. However, to confuse the issue, the Eastern Region had used the TSO code prior to 1967 to identify older Diagram 93 BR 64-seat vehicles for excursion and secondary duties.

Although none of the three BR Mark I Second Open coaches in our fleet was ever allocated to the Southern, one vehicle from this Lot and a number of similar vehicles from a previous Lot were transferred from the WR in 1964. These vehicles, with wider seats, double-glazed aluminium-framed windows, laminate-faced panelling and fluorescent lighting, appeared significantly more modern internally than those Diagram 93 vehicles already in the SR fleet. However the lighting in these carriages often emitted an irritating, high-pitched 'whistle' from the ceiling-mounted lighting inverters! The SR-allocated carriages were generally used for special traffic (excursions etc.) on the South Western Division.

Built in 1962 for the London Midland Region, 4941 continued in service there through 1979. By 1983 it had been transferred to the Western Region where it was allocated to Cardiff Canton depot. By 1988 it was allocated to Old Oak Common (London) for Intercity special traffic and charter work. 4941 was one of twelve vehicles modified in 1989 to form the 'Travelling College' train, which, it was intended, should carry parties of schoolchildren 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 two were very little altered from their BR condition. We were thus able to return them to traffic relatively easily. Although repainted in 1994, no major structural repairs were carried out on this coach.

In 2009 it was selected for conversion as a second multi-purpose saloon with wheelchair lift. It is anticipated that, when complete, it will be similar to 5034 but, as its original interior is largely complete, much of this will be retained.

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