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

Richard Salmon

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.