Aln Valley Railway - Rolling Stock

[alexl92]

I've really enjoyed following the progress of the Aln Valley Railway over the past few years. I love these rebuilding projects and they seem to have made quite rapid progress over the past few years. It's a bonus for me that their steam fleet now consists of two Leeds-built engines - Hudswell Clarke Richboro and Hunslet Engine Co/Lambton Colliery No.60.

I was on their facebook site today watching a video of the new arrival, No.60, on a test run. I couldn't help but notice that it looked like the two coaches used in the train seemed to be painted in BR Western region chocolate and cream livery, but numbered as BR(E) stock.I was extra confused because when I've seem images from the AVR in the past, their coaching stock has been BR Blood & Custard. I did check some other pics and images but it seemed to be similar to the white&gold/black&blue dress that caused confusion a while back - I can't tell what livery the coaches are in.

Can anyone confirm whether they've repainted their coaches into brown or whether it was just a trick of the light?

Also, they seemed to be using a brake van despite a brake coach being in the rake - anyone know why?
Thanks!

 

[DarloRich]

i think the brake van is to allow for propelling as the loco can not run round - a lookout/guard can stand at the back and relay information to the driver.

 

[john77]

To answer your other question, it must be a trick of the light as the coaches have definitely not been repainted. I hope you get a chance to come and see for yourself soon !

 

[alexl92]

i think the brake van is to allow for propelling as the loco can not run round - a lookout/guard can stand at the back and relay information to the driver.

Makes sense, thanks

To answer your other question, it must be a trick of the light as the coaches have definitely not been repainted. I hope you get a chance to come and see for yourself soon !

I thought as much. Thank you. I'm hoping to, but it's a good 2 1/2 hours drive from where I live so may have to wait until I'm on holiday in Northumberland.