Golden Arrow coach on M25

[VWRO2]

Saw a blue and white Golden Arrow coach on the M25 yesterday evening. Does anyone know it's origin and destin
View attachment Messenger_creation_EB528777-B773-47A2-A3F9-71511A0E6876.mp4
ation?

 

[sprinterguy]

Blimey, I didn't realise there were any ex-Golden Arrow vehicles still knocking about in blue and grey livery.

It's been moved from The Bluebell Railway, having been offered for sale in August 2023 and again in May 2024 after being deemed surplus to the Bluebell Railway's requirements for their Pullman train, but where it's bound for I couldn't say.

Some history on the carriage here:

Bluebell Railway Carriages - Pullman Carina

www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

Pullman BRS 307 CARINA Pullman Kitchen First built 1951

Built for reformation of 'Golden Arrow' service in 1951. 01/65: formed part of Winston Churchill's funeral train, specifically for members of the Churchill family - marshalled directly behind the coffin van. W 03/73 - then became static restaurant at Hotel Mercure, Dardilly, near Lyons (France) until repatriated by VSOE 1980. Stored in turn at Steamtown, Swindon, then 1987 Stewarts Lane. Stripped by VSOE for restoration but surplus to requirements and sold 05/02 to private owner on North Yorks Moors Railway as "a basic shell, minus one end" for its bogies - but by 09/07 full restoration under consideration: £200k needed. Sold early 2011 to the 5-BEL Trust and to Sheffield Park 01/12 for restoration. 08/15: stored in sidings behind Horsted Keynes station - see Steve West's photo below. 10/15: ownership transferred to Bluebell Railway - swapped with Pullman SR 282 "Doris" (qv), which has gone to Barrow Hill to form part of the 5-car "Brighton Belle" (5-BEL) set, "Carina" being considered more appropriate for the Bluebell's needs. 08/23 and again 05/24: offered for sale, following a review of the Bluebell's Pullman fleet and the future development of its Golden Arrow Pullman Train

 

[Cowley]

Wow. Same as @sprinterguy, really surprised to see one still in that livery. Hope it’s gone to a good home.

 

[Defiance149]

Went to the Churnet Valley.

 

[India Four Two]

Yesterday was the first time I had looked at this forum.
Today this showed up on the Churnet Valley FB page that I follow!

"We are pleased to announce the arrival of CARINA our very first Pullman Car!
It’s in need of a complete overhaul but has an amazing history… built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company Limited, it entered into Pullman service on the 11th June 1951, forming a part of the new ‘Golden Arrow’ train.
Many important and famous people of the time travelled in it, and its most memorable duty was when it was marshalled into the Sir Winston Churchill Funeral train, immediately behind the vehicle carrying his coffin.
CARINA has spent time at North Yorkshire Moors Railway and then Bluebell Railway before finally arriving here at Churnet Valley Railway

The refurbishment work will take a considerable amount of time, and our wonderful team is ready to get started! They can't wait for our visitors to enjoy another level of train travel that was almost lost forever."

 

[WesternLancer]

A fair bit of work required to get that stripped shell sorted. Good luck to all involved who must be up for the challenge!

 

[Sun Chariot]

Great capture, @VWRO2 and I didn't realise "Carina" still has its original 1951-build rectangular lavatory windows.