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

Richard Salmon

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). These 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 were 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.

This coach was one of twelve modified 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 two were very little altered from their BR condition. We were thus able to return them to traffic relatively easily. Although it was repainted in 1994, no major structural repairs have yet been carried out on this coach, so it cannot yet be considered a long-term part of our fleet.