LNER “Coronation” observation cars

[sprinterguy]

I recently picked up an old (early 70s) book detailing the various UK preserved railway concerns operating at that time. This book also mentions that the two observation cars of the former LNER “Coronation” train, albeit in their rebuilt more angular form as used on the West Highland line, were in preservation at this time; one on the Lochty railway with “Union of South Africa”, and the other somewhere in England. Possibly on the Keighley and Worth Valley or the ELR, but I can’t quite remember which it said.

So, where are these two vehicles now and what happened to them between the early seventies and the present day? Although I can by no means claim to have visited or know a great deal of information about a large number of the preserved railways around the country, I have never heard much about the Coronation beaver tail observation cars in preservation before this mention.

 

[yTocynnwr]

Could this be one of the ones you are looking for?

Owned by the Great Central http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=950

 

[sprinterguy]

Yeah that's one of the beasties! Anyone know what RVP stands for where it says who it's on loan to? Thanks for clarifying half of the mystery for me, nice to see that at least one of the beavertails is still with us and in good condition.

 

[yTocynnwr]

Railway Vehicle Preservations - http://www.rvp-ltd.org.uk/

 

[sprinterguy]

Ah great, I see they have ownership of both of the beavertails. I wonder where 1719 was hidden away last time I was on the GCR. I'm really impressed to hear that they are restoring the other observation car to original "Coronation" condition! That'd be fantastic to see!

 

[E&W Lucas]

Try the VCT database for any coach queries. Including grounded bodies.

The two you're asking about:

http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=951

http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=950