BR Mark 2 first class seat headrest covers

[notverydeep]

Hello All. This is a bit a of a long-shot. Does anyone know where I could possibly source one or two replacement white (linen I think) covers for a BR Mark 2 (up to Mark 2E) first class seat head rest cushion as depicted in the image below? I located the image on this excellent site https://citytransport.info/Compartment.htm I hope they are OK with my copying a small clip from one of the photos here to illustrate the request.

 

[37114]

Have you tried the companies still operating MK2s eg LSL or WCRC? Alternatively I believe from the Gloucestshire and Warwickshire Railway (GWSR) blog that they are doing some work on seat recovering of MK2s on behalf of the Dean Forest Railway and so either of those Railways maybe worth speaking too?

 

[Ken H]

Your search may be better if you also search for antimacassers. People used to put macassa oil on their hair and so the need for a washable cover became evident. Sorry if my spelling is wrong

 

[notverydeep]

Your search may be better if you also search for antimacassers. People used to put macassa oil on their hair and so the need for a washable cover became evident. Sorry if my spelling is wrong

Yes, I have tried that too, but these particular Mark 2 first class seats had full separate cushions - held to the seat headrest by leather straps (just visible in the photo), rather than antimacassars (which would be a single detachable piece of cloth) and it is the cover for one of these that I would like to locate. I guess they would have fulfilled the function of an antimacassar as well as 'softening' the seat when leaning back.

Have you tried the companies still operating MK2s eg LSL or WCRC? Alternatively I believe from the Gloucestshire and Warwickshire Railway (GWSR) blog that they are doing some work on seat recovering of MK2s on behalf of the Dean Forest Railway and so either of those Railways maybe worth speaking too?

Thanks for these leads, especially the one about the seat recovering. I will try to follow them up.

In the late 1980s / early 1990s when a weekend spent chasing various interesting locos invariably required a 'rancid overnight' or two, these cushions were a favourite way for many trying to slightly improve the comfort of the sleeping position, even if not actually in one of that type of Mark 2 first class seat...