Most enjoyable preserved railway rolling stock experiences?

[Iskra]

Most heritage railways use MK1 open stock, and they are perfectly adequate for the job. However, some railways offer more interesting, more comfortable or rolling stock with better views in normal service. I'm aware of a few which I have experienced which I will detail below, but what examples are there of heritage railways using 'superior' rolling stock on normal service trains? And what makes that rolling stock more enjoyable in your opinion? If your example includes a fare supplement, please state this. I'm okay with examples that may only feature a handful of times a year.

- KWVR MK1 Suburban Coaches; I like these as they feature extra springy seats and as compartment stock you can often get one to yourself- this can be benefical as an enthusiast as you can have both windows open or lean-out (sensibly) without annoying anyone. One of these is a Brake Coach so usually features on normal service trains frequently.
- KWVR Waggon- und Maschinenbau GmbH Donauwörth railbus number M79964 - features comfy seats and excellent all-round views, especially forward, so is essentially like travelling in an observation car.
- NYMR'S Teak Rake, firstly these look stunning externally, but mainly these are exceptionally well presented and decorated internally, very smooth runners and feel like a premium environment- I think possibly all seating is at tables too from memory.

What other examples are there out there, and what is your justification for your nomination?

 

[AngusH]

The Devon Belle observation car (now on the Dartmouth Steam Railway) is a very nice observation car, with end windows.

I think there is an extra fee, though some time since I last was there.


I like the NYMR Teak rake too, especially the onboard dining car, which is beautifully fitted out inside.

 

[bramling]

Most heritage railways use MK1 open stock, and they are perfectly adequate for the job. However, some railways offer more interesting, more comfortable or rolling stock with better views in normal service. I'm aware of a few which I have experienced which I will detail below, but what examples are there of heritage railways using 'superior' rolling stock on normal service trains? And what makes that rolling stock more enjoyable in your opinion? If your example includes a fare supplement, please state this. I'm okay with examples that may only feature a handful of times a year.

- KWVR MK1 Suburban Coaches; I like these as they feature extra springy seats and as compartment stock you can often get one to yourself- this can be benefical as an enthusiast as you can have both windows open or lean-out (sensibly) without annoying anyone. One of these is a Brake Coach so usually features on normal service trains frequently.
- KWVR Waggon- und Maschinenbau GmbH Donauwörth railbus number M79964 - features comfy seats and excellent all-round views, especially forward, so is essentially like travelling in an observation car.
- NYMR'S Teak Rake, firstly these look stunning externally, but mainly these are exceptionally well presented and decorated internally, very smooth runners and feel like a premium environment- I think possibly all seating is at tables too from memory.

What other examples are there out there, and what is your justification for your nomination?

My favourite has to be the various older “lock-up” carriages used at times on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways, especially the handful of FR carriages which offer segregated first-class conpartments.

Apart from the fact they’re more historic and (in my view - though this is a matter for debate) more comfortable, they also give you your own private space, so you won’t have to sit near others. The lack of toilet access puts many off - though if doing a long journey this requires an element of forward planning!

Special mention for the class 105 unit (I think on the East Lancs Railway?), this really does capture well a particular era of rail travel. I hope their class 504 unit will in due course do the same.

Finally, any railway which runs a 205 or 207 gets my vote. The Spa Valley Railway‘s restoration of 207017 in particular is superb. I keep meaning to pay a visit to the Mid Hants to catch up with 205025.

 

[Magdalia]

The high point of comfort and ambience in standard/second class loco hauled rolling stock is a well maintained pressure ventilated mark II. But they need to have the original seats (wonderful headrests) and original tapered tables. Within these the BSOs in the First Class bodyshells with the extra legroom are at the top. Epping and Ongar have one of these but unfortunately not with the original tables.

But there were no Mark II buffet cars, so a Blue and Grey Gresley Buffet Car is needed to complete the set. I only remember seeing these in traffic, not travelling in them. I think NYMR, GCR, SVR and NNR all have working examples, but unfortunately none are in blue and grey livery? Next best would be the booth car E1106 but I don't know the current status of that.

And I've still to travel on the restored Cravens at the ELR. Hopefully I will be able to do that in 2022. The Cravens is a truly unique travelling experience.

 

[xotGD]

- KWVR MK1 Suburban Coaches; I like these as they feature extra springy seats and as compartment stock you can often get one to yourself- this can be benefical as an enthusiast as you can have both windows open or lean-out (sensibly) without annoying anyone. One of these is a Brake Coach so usually features on normal service trains frequently.

And droplight windows for everyone. I love travelling in these. The only snag is that you can't get to the bar on the move. (Or the loo!)

 

[Bessie]

Kent & East Sussex Railway have a great set of old carriages - I think old metropolitan railway and SE&CR. It's great to be hauled on these behind their Terrier. Didcot has some great GWR heritage coaches too.

 

[JKF]

I enjoyed my visit to the IoWSR a few decades back with their nice collection of ancient non-corridor carriages. Really gave a nice vintage feel to the trip.

Much as I’m a fan of the modern era (well 70s/80s) I still think more railways should try to put together an appropriate vintage set, although it is a substantial investment to restore old stock like this (there are plenty sat in hedgerows, gardens and bungalows around the country)

 

[75A]

The compartments in the NYMR teak set are just so comfortable.

 

[Iskra]

The Devon Belle observation car (now on the Dartmouth Steam Railway) is a very nice observation car, with end windows.

I think there is an extra fee, though some time since I last was there.


I like the NYMR Teak rake too, especially the onboard dining car, which is beautifully fitted out inside.

They look interesting, I don't suppose they still contain the bar? That would be a winning combination! I've travelled on that line, but the observation car wasn't out but the train did contain some old DMU trailers, which was something different at least/

My favourite has to be the various older “lock-up” carriages used at times on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways, especially the handful of FR carriages which offer segregated first-class conpartments.

Apart from the fact they’re more historic and (in my view - though this is a matter for debate) more comfortable, they also give you your own private space, so you won’t have to sit near others. The lack of toilet access puts many off - though if doing a long journey this requires an element of forward planning!

Special mention for the class 105 unit (I think on the East Lancs Railway?), this really does capture well a particular era of rail travel. I hope their class 504 unit will in due course do the same.

Finally, any railway which runs a 205 or 207 gets my vote. The Spa Valley Railway‘s restoration of 207017 in particular is superb. I keep meaning to pay a visit to the Mid Hants to catch up with 205025.

Some very interesting suggestions there

The high point of comfort and ambience in standard/second class loco hauled rolling stock is a well maintained pressure ventilated mark II. But they need to have the original seats (wonderful headrests) and original tapered tables. Within these the BSOs in the First Class bodyshells with the extra legroom are at the top. Epping and Ongar have one of these but unfortunately not with the original tables.

But there were no Mark II buffet cars, so a Blue and Grey Gresley Buffet Car is needed to complete the set. I only remember seeing these in traffic, not travelling in them. I think NYMR, GCR, SVR and NNR all have working examples, but unfortunately none are in blue and grey livery? Next best would be the booth car E1106 but I don't know the current status of that.

And I've still to travel on the restored Cravens at the ELR. Hopefully I will be able to do that in 2022. The Cravens is a truly unique travelling experience.

Thanks for the information, I do like a Mk2. I'd like to see a Gresley teak in Blue/Grey. I didn't realise Cravens were something worth having a go on, so thanks for the suggestion.

Kent & East Sussex Railway have a great set of old carriages - I think old metropolitan railway and SE&CR. It's great to be hauled on these behind their Terrier. Didcot has some great GWR heritage coaches too.

On doing some further research, they do indeed look worthy of a visit. As soon as you mentioned a terrier, the below railway sprung to mind...

I enjoyed my visit to the IoWSR a few decades back with their nice collection of ancient non-corridor carriages. Really gave a nice vintage feel to the trip.

Much as I’m a fan of the modern era (well 70s/80s) I still think more railways should try to put together an appropriate vintage set, although it is a substantial investment to restore old stock like this (there are plenty sat in hedgerows, gardens and bungalows around the country)

I quite agree!

 

[4SubAsociation]

North Norfolk quad arts. Fantastic and a great view too.

Also been in Secr 3363 on the bluebell after it just been restored. Very comfy in 3rd class

This one is not technically a preserved railway one but worthy of a mention. I have recently been in the restored 1729 lner beavertail. Exceptional.

 

[AY1975]

Kent & East Sussex Railway have a great set of old carriages - I think old metropolitan railway and SE&CR.

So does the Bluebell - one of the few preserved railways where trains are mostly formed of older stock than Mark 1s although they do have a few Mark 1s as well. Most of their trains are formed of Bulleid coaches, and they also have some older Southern Railway/SE&CR and Metropolitan Railway coaches.

The Mid-Hants and the Swanage Railway have a few Bulleid coaches too. I also like the Severn Valley and its GWR, LMS and LNER rakes. There are also a few LNER coaches on the North Yorkshire Moors and a couple of LMS coaches on the Ecclesbourne Valley.

 

[Spamcan81]

The compartments in the NYMR teak set are just so comfortable.

Agreed. My wife, who is no railway enthusiast, was most impressed with them.

 

[John Luxton]

Welsh Highland Railway Pullman Cars are probably best heritage railway carriage experience in my book.

 

[Pinza-C55]

I vaguely remember a trip on the Great Central in late 1981 and the "ambience" was very authentic as if I was travelling on a main line in the early 60s.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

In the 1990s I rode the Ffestiniog, my dad being a typical Yorkshireman had gone for the "early bird" offer which meant using the first departure from Porthmadog which was diesel-hauled. Conwy Castle was the loco used, along with matching green and cream coaches. The stock used seemed fairly modern, and was surprisingly large inside considering the narrow gauge. I recall being impressed at how much could be fit in such a small space (well, I was a weird kid ) and how comfortable the seats were. I'd been expecting something more like the RHDR, certainly not carriages with 2+1 seating and a centre corridor!

 

[sprinterguy]

The most comfortable preserved railway journey I've ever had was in the Severn Valley's Stanier LMS rake: The seats felt plusher and the suspension softer when compared to that railway's LNER Teak and BR mark 1 sets. If there's only a couple of you travelling, I also like, for it's secluded feel, the cosy half-compartment (One row of seats facing a dividing wall) which is present I think in at least one of the brake vehicles in the LNER Teak rake.

I'd also agree that the full width compartment's in the KWVR's BR Suburban stock are excellent, even if they do preclude you getting to the bar as mentioned above.

In terms of most enjoyable overall, though, I think it has to be a Queen Mary brake van coupled behind the loco at the Spa Valley Railway's beer festival last October. My companions and I lamented that more preserved railways don't offer this option as a feature during special events such as galas and beer festivals, as stumbling about on the veranda with a bevy of like-minded, similarly inebriated railwaymen, while the Driver put on a bit of show of power for his enthusiastic audience, was great fun.

 

[DelW]

I enjoyed my visit to the IoWSR a few decades back with their nice collection of ancient non-corridor carriages. Really gave a nice vintage feel to the trip.

Another vote here for the Isle of Wight, particularly their pre-WW1 four-wheeler set. There are quite unusual interior layouts on these coaches, which make a nice change from compartments or TSOs.

In terms of most enjoyable overall, though, I think it has to be a Queen Mary brake van coupled behind the loco at the Spa Valley Railway's beer festival last October. My companions and I lamented that more preserved railways don't offer this option as a feature during special events such as galas and beer festivals, as stumbling about on the veranda with a bevy of like-minded, similarly inebriated railwaymen, while the Driver put on a bit of show of power for his enthusiastic audience, was great fun.

"beer festivals, as stumbling about on the veranda with a bevy of like-minded, similarly inebriated" - I think you might have identified there just why organisers might be nervous about this

 

[John Luxton]

The Devon Belle observation car (now on the Dartmouth Steam Railway) is a very nice observation car, with end windows.

I think there is an extra fee, though some time since I last was there.


I like the NYMR Teak rake too, especially the onboard dining car, which is beautifully fitted out inside.

Not been to the railway for some years.

But back in the days that the car worked on the Buckfastleigh line before transferring to Paignton the bar used to be open.

Not sure why that feature has not been restored as it must surely be a revenue generator.

 

[david_g]

Not the most comfortable but standing on the balcony of a Welshpool bound train on the Welshpool & Llanfair. Beyer Peacock cab first on Dolarddyn bank in full first port notched 3 up, dropping out to 2 up at the top. Just enjoy the noise.

 

[bramling]

Not the most comfortable but standing on the balcony of a Welshpool bound train on the Welshpool & Llanfair. Beyer Peacock cab first on Dolarddyn bank in full first port notched 3 up, dropping out to 2 up at the top. Just enjoy the noise.

Yes the open carriages on the V of R offer the same, on the upward journey of course. All the more impressive in wild weather, but need to be dressed up warm.

 

[peteb]

Open coaches on the Tallylyn or their historic stock, very bumpy but a great experience!

 

[Mat17]

Another vote for KWVR - love the suburbans. Vintage Sundays through the summer are great, the Metropolitan coaches are great, with the war time posters inside.

I also think the Cravens is top notch at the ELR - I miss their 117 set as well. I'm not fussed on the 122 though.

I always like a spell on the GCR's Gresley Buffet coach as well.

 

[Anonymous10]

first class seating on the round robin from Paignton is definitely one not to miss

 

[Western 52]

The dining car set on the Isle of Man railway is nice to travel in, with comfortable seats and a nice view. Even better when they serve pie and mash with a beer!

 

[sprinterguy]

"beer festivals, as stumbling about on the veranda with a bevy of like-minded, similarly inebriated" - I think you might have identified there just why organisers might be nervous about this

Heh, what could possibly go wrong?

Not the most comfortable but standing on the balcony of a Welshpool bound train on the Welshpool & Llanfair. Beyer Peacock cab first on Dolarddyn bank in full first port notched 3 up, dropping out to 2 up at the top. Just enjoy the noise.

Come to think of it, a lot of my favourite heritage railway experiences have involved stock with open verandas: I could also add the Tanfield and South Tynedale Railways.

 

[bishdunster]

So does the Bluebell - one of the few preserved railways where trains are mostly formed of older stock than Mark 1s although they do have a few Mark 1s as well. Most of their trains are formed of Bulleid coaches, and they also have some older Southern Railway/SE&CR and Metropolitan Railway coaches.

The Mid-Hants and the Swanage Railway have a few Bulleid coaches too. I also like the Severn Valley and its GWR, LMS and LNER rakes. There are also a few LNER coaches on the North Yorkshire Moors and a couple of LMS coaches on the Ecclesbourne Valley.

Oh for a Bulleid Tavern Car !!!!!!!!! .................................................................

 

[D6968]

Oh for a Bulleid Tavern Car !!!!!!!!! .................................................................

Only if you have a cellar car maintained at the right temperature to go with it!

 

[muddythefish]

I'm surprised no one's mentioned the SVR's superb rakes of Great Western coaches from around 1920 to the late 1940s. They're beautifully restored inside and include restaurant cars and special saloons. My favourite is 9103, a tourist special saloon from 1923

The SVR is unique in also having a rake of LMS and LNER coaches

 

[theageofthetra]

The most comfortable preserved railway journey I've ever had was in the Severn Valley's Stanier LMS rake: The seats felt plusher and the suspension softer when compared to that railway's LNER Teak and BR mark 1 sets. If there's only a couple of you travelling, I also like, for it's secluded feel, the cosy half-compartment (One row of seats facing a dividing wall) which is present I think in at least one of the brake vehicles in the LNER Teak rake.

I'd also agree that the full width compartment's in the KWVR's BR Suburban stock are excellent, even if they do preclude you getting to the bar as mentioned above.

In terms of most enjoyable overall, though, I think it has to be a Queen Mary brake van coupled behind the loco at the Spa Valley Railway's beer festival last October. My companions and I lamented that more preserved railways don't offer this option as a feature during special events such as galas and beer festivals, as stumbling about on the veranda with a bevy of like-minded, similarly inebriated railwaymen, while the Driver put on a bit of show of power for his enthusiastic audience, was great fun.

I hope they do that this year. Sounds superb.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Feb 2022 ==

Heh, what could possibly go wrong?

Come to think of it, a lot of my favourite heritage railway experiences have involved stock with open verandas: I could also add the Tanfield and South Tynedale Railways.

I agree re South Tynedale. Just lovely enjoying the views with a beer in your hand.

 

[341o2]

Another vote for the IOWSR, the former Corris and Glyn Valley coaches on the Talyllyn.

First generation DMU's seated behind the driver and seeing his view. while not heritage, back in the 70's I travelled over the Devon and Cornish branches. Views you won't see today