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Passenger Carrying Coaches

Bulleid’s ‘Multidoor’ Stock
(963-980 & 981-984)

 

Mulitdoor’ compartment side of ex-works 59’ CK no.5726 from set  980.

© British Railways (Mike King Collection)

 

59’ Sets 963 to 980

Following Bulleid’s succession to Maunsell on the Southern Railway, designs were started in 1938 for new coaching stock on the South Western Main Line from Waterloo to Bournemouth – Weymouth and Salisbury – Exeter routes. Although design work commenced in 1938 the order couldn’t be place until 1944 for eighteen number three-coach restriction ‘4’ sets (numbered 963 to 980) built on Maunsell-type 59ft underframes.

These underframes had been fabricated in 1940 but when WW2 stopped the construction of the coach bodies the underframes were placed into store which sadly set them up for corrosion in later life. The BTK coaches (nos.2841 to 2876) seated 40 no. 3rd class passengers; the CK coaches (nos.5709 to 5726) seated 24 no. 1st class and 24 no. 3rd class passengers.

 

A picture containing outdoor, transport, track, train

Description automatically generated

Corridor side of ex-works 59’ CK no.5726 from set 980.

© British Railways (Mike King Collection)

 

Three-car sets numbered 963 to 980 were formed:

BTK (to Diagram 2121)

CK (to Diagram 2316)

BTK (to Diagram 2121)

In 1941 Bullied had introduced a bodyside profile on 4 SUB unit no.4101 featuring a new profile (with a continuous curve from floor level) and these coaches adopted that style. On the doors they also featured the characteristic lozenge-shaped toplights above the droplights; a particular useful feature for looking out when standing ready to leave the coach (the bodyside curve of the coach would not permit a deeper /taller droplight).

With doors for each compartment on the non-corridor side (following Maunsell’s coach-layout practice) they became known as ‘multidoor’ coaches; particularly after the later designs of Bulleid coaches employing saloons and compartments with vestibules entered service. This saloon /vestibule stock offered greater passenger comfort and ‘multidoor’ stock quickly found less favour with express services.

Exterior and interior images (including the passenger corridor) of an unknown 59’ composite can be seen the ‘Scotland Yard’ episode no.25 (The White Cliffs Mystery – first aired 1st October 1957). Filmed in Clapham Yard, the coaches were in BR(S) Green livery which suggests set 964, 968, 969, 971 or 974 was being the most likely candidates. More information can be found on the British Railway Move Database.

 

 

 

Empty stock from Waterloo arriving at Clapham Junction
(Wednesday, 2nd April 1958)
Seen running into the Carriage Sidings from the London-end of Clapham Junction’s platforms 7/8, the train’s first three coaches are Bulleid ‘Multidoor’ set no.976 formed (nearest) BSK 2868, CK 5722 & BSK 2867. The locomotive is M7 no.30123.
© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Set 976 in empty stock from Waterloo arriving at Clapham Junction

(Wednesday, 2nd April 1958)

Seen running into the Carriage Sidings from the London-end of Clapham Junction’s platforms 7/8, the train’s first three coaches are Bulleid ‘Multidoor’ set no.976 formed (nearest) BSK 2868, CK 5722 & BSK 2867. The locomotive is M7 no.30123.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

 

Original 59’ Formations

The date identified for each 59’ set formation (unless stated otherwise) is the outshopping of the last vehicle needed to form each set; this being the CK coaches.

Where these sets were subsequently strengthened the strengthening vehicles /details are shew in the section titled ‘59’ Set Strengthening’; only strengthening dates and subsequent reformation dates are provided here.

 

Set
No.

Formed /Reform.

BTK
No.

BTK
sent to

CK
No.

CK
sent to

BTK
No.

BTK
sent to

963

14-Mar-46

2841#1

Cond‡2
(19-Dec-63)

5709

Cond‡1
(19-Dec-63)

2842#1

Cond‡1
(19-Dec-63)

Cond.

19-Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

964

14-Mar-46

2843#1

Wdn
(12-Oct-66)

5710

Wdn
(12-Oct-66)

2844#1

Wdn
(12-Oct-66)

Strengthened

Jan-64

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed#

Feb-65

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdn

12-Oct-66

 

 

 

 

 

 

965

5-Mar-46

2845#3

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5711

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

2846#3

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Wdn

28-Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

966

20-Mar-46

2847#3

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5712

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

2848#3

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Wdn

28-Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

967

21-Feb-46

2849‡4

Wdn
(Oct-67)

5713

Wdn
(Dec-63)

2850‡4

Wdn
(6-Nov-65)

Reformed

Jun-64

"

"

5719
(ex.973)

Wdn
(Jul-67)

"

"

Strengthened

Jun-64

"

"

"

"

"

"

Disb

c.Sep-65

 

 

 

 

 

 

968

15-Feb-46

2851‡4

Wdn
(Jul-67)

5714

Wdn
(Aug-67)

2852‡4

Wdn
(Dec-67)

Strengthened

Jun-64

"

"

"

"

"

"

Disb

c.Jun-67

 

 

 

 

 

 

969

27-Mar-46

2853‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5715

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

2854‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

970

11-Mar-46

2855‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5716

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

2856‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

971

26-Feb-46

2857‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5717

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

2858‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

972

5-Mar-46

2859‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5718

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

2860‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

973

11-Mar-46

2861‡4

984
(Jun-64)

5719

967
(Jun-64)

2862‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Strengthened

Aug-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Disb

c.Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

974

27-Mar-46

2863‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63

5720

Wdn
(28-Dec-63

2864‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63

Strengthened

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Disb.

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

975

31-Dec-45

2865‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63

5721

Wdn
(28-Dec-63

2866‡4

Wdn
(28-Dec-63

Strengthened

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

976

20-Mar-46

2867‡5

Wdn
(Jul-67)

5722

Wdn
(Jan-68)

2868‡5

Wdn
(Sep-67)

Strengthened

Oct-62

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed#

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed#

Jun-64

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdn

Jun-67

 

 

 

 

 

 

977

19-Jan-46

2869‡5

Wdn
(Dec-63)

5723

Wdn
(Dec-63)

2870‡5

Wdn
(Dec-63)

Strengthened

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

978

8-Apr-46

2871‡6

Wdn
(Dec-63)

5724

Wdn
(Dec-63)

2872‡6

Wdn
(Dec-63)

Strengthened

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

979

15-Feb-46

2873‡6

Wdn
(Dec-63)

5725

Wdn
(Dec-63)

2874‡6

Wdn
(Dec-63)

Strengthened

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdn

by Dec-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

980

12-Apr-46

2875‡7

Wdn
(Jul-67)

5726

Wdn
(Jul-66)

2876‡7

Wdn
(Jul-66)

Strengthened

Jun-62

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed#

Jun-64

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed#

Feb-65

"

"

"

"

"

"

Disb

c.Jun-66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

Set Notes

#

Strengthened set reformed around original set’s coaches.

‡1

Outshopped new 20-Nov-45

‡3

Broken up at Eastleigh 1-Feb-64

‡3

Outshopped new 1-Dec-45

‡4

Outshopped new 31-Dec-45

‡5

Outshopped new 19-Jan-46

‡6

Outshopped new 31-Jan-46

‡7

Outshopped new 6-Feb-46

Cond.

Condemned

Disb.

Disbanded

Wdn.

Withdrawn

 

 

 

 

Corridor side of ex-works 59’ BTK no.2876 from set  980.

© British Railways (Mike King Collection)

 

59’ Set Strengthening

Whilst withdrawals started in December 1963 (with set nos.963, 965, 966, 969, 970, 971, 972, 982, 983 & 984; later followed by 974, 975, 977, 978 and 979) from June 1962-on set nos. 964, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 979 and 980 were strengthened up to eight-coaches with the following information obtained from both the Lancing Works and CM&EE Record Cards for each set.

 

Set

Coach

Number

Ex. Set

Date.

Diag. No.

964
Jan-64 to Oct-64
(Note1)

BSK

2843

964

New

2121 (B)

SK

1829 #10

982

Jun-64

2001 (M)

SK

1728

982

Jun-64

2317 (B)

CK

5710

964

New

2316 (B)

CK

5907

433

Jun-64

2319 (B)

SK

1837 #11

433

Jun-64

2001 (M) 

SK

1235 #12

Loose

Jun-64

2001 (M)

BSK

2844

964

New

2121 (B)

964
Feb-65 to Oct-66
(Wdn)

BSK

2843

964

New

2121 (B)

SK

31 #13

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

SK

1728 #14

982

Jun-64

2317 (B)

CK

5710

964

New

2316 (B)

CK

5907 #15

Loose

Jun-64

2319 (B)

SK

90 #16

474

Feb-65

2019 (B)

SK

91 #17

474

Feb-65

2019 (B)

BSK

2844

964

New

2121 (B)

967
Dec-63 to Jun-64
 (Note2)

BSK

2849

967

New

2121 (B)

CK

5711 #18

967

New

2316 (B)

(CK)

(5719)

(973)

(Jun-64)

(2316 (B)

BSK

2850

967

New

2121 (B)

967
Jun-64 to Nov-65
(Note3)

BSK

2849

967

New

2121 (B)

SK

47 ‡19

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

SK

1932 ‡20

823

Jun-64

2019 (B)

CK

5719 ‡21

973

Jun-64

2316 (B)

CK

5900 ‡22

973

Jun-64

2318 (B)

SK

1933 ‡23

823

Jun-64

2019 (B)

SK

1934 ‡24

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

BSK

2850

967

New

2121 (B)

968
Jun-64 to Jun-67
(Wdn)

BSK

2851

968

New

2121 (B)

SK

51 ‡25

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

SK

52 ‡26

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

CK

5714

968

New

2316 (B)

CK

5885 ‡27

271

Jun-64

2318 (B)

SK

53 ‡28

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

SK

55 ‡29

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

BSK

2852

968

New

2121 (B)

973
Jun-63 to Dec-63
(Disb)

BSK

2861

973

New

2121 (B)

SK

1206 ‡30

Loose

Jun-63

2001 (M)

SK

1863 ‡31

Loose

Jun-63

2008 (M)

CK

5900 ‡32

961

Jun-63

2316 (B

CK

5719

973

New

2316 (B)

SK

1898 ‡33

Loose

Jun-63

2008 (M)

SK

1915 ‡34

Loose

Jun-63

2011 (M)

BSK

2862

973

New

2121 (B)

974
Jun-63 to Dec-63
(Disb)

BSK

2863

974

New

2121 (B)

SK

1211 ‡35

Loose

Jun-63

2001 (M)

CK

5720

974

New

2316 (B)

SK

1865 ‡36

Loose

Jun-63

2008 (M)

SK

1887 ‡37

249

Jun-63

2008 (M)

BSK

2864

974

New

2121 (B)

975
Jun-63 to Dec-63
(Wdn)

BSK

2865

975

New

2121 (B)

SK

1212 ‡38

Loose

Jun-63

2001 (M)

CK

5721

975

New

2316 (B)

SK

1268 ‡39

Loose

Jun-63

2008 (M)

SK

1813 ‡40

956

Jun-63

2001Ϯ (M)

BSK

2866

975

New

2121 (B)

976
Oct-62 to Jun-63

BSK

2867

976

New

2121 (B)

SK

1225

Loose

Oct-62

2008 (M)

CK

5722

976

New

2316 (B)

BSK

2868

976

New

2121 (B)

976
Jun-63 to Jun-64

BSK

2867

976

New

2121 (B)

SK

1225 ‡41

Loose

Oct-62

2008 (M)

CK

5722

976

New

2316 (B)

SO

----

Loose

Jun-63

----

SO

----

Loose

Jun-63

----

BSK

2868

976

New

2121 (B)

976
Jun-64 to Jun-67
(Wdn)

BSK

2867

976

New

2121 (B)

SK

46 ‡42

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

SK

48 ‡43

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

CK

5722

976

New

2316 (B)

CK

5751 ‡44

770

Jun-64

2315 (B)

SK

49 ‡45

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

SK

39 ‡46

Loose

Jun-64

2019 (B)

BSK

2868

976

New

2121 (B)

977
Jun-63 to Dec-63
(Wdn)

BSK

2869

977

New

2121 (B)

SK

----

----

Jun-63

----

CK

5723

977

New

2316 (B)

BSK

2870

977

New

2121 (B)

978
Apr-63 to Dec-63

(Wdn)

BSK

2871

978

New

2121 (B)

SK

----

----

Apr-63

----

SK

----

----

Apr-63

----

CK

5806 ‡47

436

Apr-63

2318 (B)

CK

5724

978

New

2316 (B)

SK

----

----

Apr-63

----

SK

----

----

Apr-63

----

BSK

2872

978

New

2121 (B)

979
Jun-63 to Dec-63
(Wdn)

BSK

2873

979

New

2121 (B)

SK

----

----

Jun-63

----

SK

----

----

Jun-63

----

CK

5876 ‡48

266

Jun-63

2318 (B)

CK

5725

979

New

2316 (B)

SK

----

----

Jun-63

----

SK

----

----

Jun-63

----

BSK

2874

979

New

2121 (B)

980
Jun-62 to Jun-64

BSK

2875

980

New

2121 (B)

SK

1803 ‡49

 

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1804 ‡50

 

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

CK

5874

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5726

980

New

2316 (B)

SK

1805 ‡51

 

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1808 ‡52

 

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

BSK

2876

980

New

2121 (B)

980
Jun-64 to Feb-65

BSK

2875

980

New

2121 (B)

SK

1206 ‡53

973

Jun-64

2008 (M)

SK

1729

883

Jun-64

2317 (B)

CK

5874

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5726

980

New

2316 (B)

SK

1236 ‡54

 

Jun-64

2008 (M)

SK

1208 ‡55

 

Jun-64

2008 (M)

BSK

2876

980

New

2121 (B)

980
Feb-65 to Jun-66
(Disb)

BSK

2875

980

New

2121 (B)

SK

85 ‡56

474

Feb-65

2019 (B)

SK

1729 ‡57

983

Jun-64

2317 (B)

CK

5874 ‡58

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5726

980

New

2316 (B)

SK

86 ‡59

474

Feb-65

2019 (B)

SK

87 ‡60

474

Feb-65

2019 (B)

BSK

2876

980

New

2121 (B)

 

Note

Set

Strengthening Notes

B

 

Bullied coach

M

 

Maunsell coach

Ϯ

 

Two lavatory-vents

Note1

964

Set 964 possibly OOU Oct-64 to Feb-65

Note2

967

Set 967 CK 5711 withdrawn Dec-63 but not replaced with 59’ 5719 (ex. disb.973) until Jun-64.

Note3

967

Set 967 possibly OOU until Jun-64 reformation and strengthening when 59’ CK 5719 (ex. 973) added to the set along with strengthening with 64’ CK 5900 (ex.961) and 64’ SK coaches 1932, 1933 & 1934 (ex. Loose).

‡10

964

SK 1829 withdrawn Oct-64

‡11

SK 1837 withdrawn Nov-64

‡12

SK 1235 withdrawn Nov-64

‡13

SK 31 withdrawn Jun-67

‡14

SK 1728 (ex. CK 5728 set 982) withdrawn Aug-66

‡15

CK 5907 withdrawn Jan-68

‡16

SK 90 withdrawn Aug-67

‡17

SK 91 withdrawn Jul-67

‡18

967

CK 5711 withdrawn Dec-63 (orig. CK for set 967).

‡19

SK 47 withdrawn Aug-67

‡20

SK 1932 withdrawn Aug-67

‡21

CK 5719 (ex. set 973) withdrawn Jul-67

‡22

CK 5900 withdrawn Jul-67

‡23

SK 1933 withdrawn Dec-67

‡24

SK 1934 withdrawn May-68

‡25

968

SK 51 withdrawn Jun-67

‡26

SK 52 withdrawn Nov-67

‡27

CK 5885 withdrawn Jul-67

‡28

SK 53 withdrawn Jul-67

‡29

SK 55 withdrawn Jul-67

‡30

973

SK 1206 withdrawn Nov-64

‡31

SK 1863 withdrawn Nov-64

‡32

CK 5900 to set 967 Jun-64

‡33

SK 1898 withdrawn Jun-64

‡34

SK 1915 withdrawn Jun-64

‡35

974

SK 1211 withdrawn Oct-64

‡36

SK 1865 withdrawn Jun-64

‡37

SK 1887 withdrawn Oct-64

‡38

975

SK 1212 withdrawn Jul-65

‡39

SK 1268 withdrawn May-64

‡40

SK 1813 withdrawn Jul-64

‡41

976

SK 1225 withdrawn 18-Apr-64

‡42

SK 46 withdrawn Jul-67

‡43

SK 48 withdrawn Aug-67

‡44

CK 5751 (Prototype seven-comp.) withdrawn Jul-67

‡45

SK 49 withdrawn Jul-67

‡46

SK 39 withdrawn Dec-67

‡47

978

CK 5806 withdrawn 16-May-64

‡48

979

CK 5876 withdrawn 16-May-64

‡49

980

SK 1803 withdrawn Dec-63

‡50

SK 1804 withdrawn Dec-62

‡51

SK 1805 withdrawn 16-May-64

‡52

SK 1808 to Loose (Bertram Mills train) date XXX

‡53

SK 1206 withdrawn Oct-64

‡54

SK 1236 withdrawn Oct-64

‡55

SK 1208 withdrawn Oct-64

‡56

SK 85 withdrawn Oct-67

‡57

SK 1729 (ex. CK 5729 set 983) withdrawn Sep-66

‡58

CK 5874 withdrawn Jul-67

‡59

SK 86 withdrawn Jul-67

‡60

SK 87 withdrawn Aug-67

Cond.

 

Condemned

Disb.

 

Disbanded

OOU

 

Out of Use

Wdn.

 

Withdrawn

 

 

 

 

Southern liveried CK 5730 in set 984 at Clapham Yard

(Monday, 29th July 1946)

© Dennis Cullum (Mike King Collection)

 

64’ Sets 981 to 984

During 1946 a further four Bulleid ‘multidoor’ sets were introduced; these being set numbers 981 & 982 - June 1946 and 983 & 984 – July 1946. However, these sets were built on the ‘new’ 64’ underframes; this being adopted as the standard length for Southern coaching stock. As a consequence, the BTK coaches (nos. 2877 to 2884) had six compartments (48 no. 3rd class seats with a slightly smaller brake van) whilst the CK coaches (nos. 5727 to 5730) had an additional third-class compartment (24 no. 1st /32 no. 3rd class seats).

Three-car sets 981 to 984 were formed:

BTK (to Diagram 2122)

CK (to Diagram 2317)

BTK (to Diagram 2122)

The 64’ Bulleid ‘multidoor’ stock initially spend some time on Brighton /Portsmouth – Bristol services before being concentrated back on SW main line workings.

Where these sets were subsequently strengthened the strengthening vehicles /details are shew in the section titled ‘64’ Set Strengthening’; only strengthening dates and subsequent reformation dates are provided here.

 

Set
No.

Formed /Reform.

BTK
No.

BTK
sent to

CK
No.

CK (as SK)
sent to

BTK
No.

BTK
sent to

981

14-Jun-46

2877

Wdn
(Aug-67)

5727

981
(Sep-64)

2878

Wdn
(Jul-67)

Strengthened

Jun-62

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed

Jun-63

"

"

5884
(ex.80)

 

"

"

Reformed

Jun-64

"

"

"

 

"

"

Reformed

Feb-65

"

"

"

 

"

"

Wdl

c.Jun-67

 

 

 

 

 

 

982

23-Jun-46

2879

Wdn
(Dec-63)

5728

964
(Sep-64)

2880

Wdn
(Dec-63)

Strengthened

Jun-62

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed

May-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Wdl

c.Sep-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

983

4-Jul-46

2881

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

5729

980
(Aug-64)

2882

Wdn
(28-Dec-63)

Strengthened

Jun-62

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Disb

c.Sep-63

 

 

 

 

 

 

984

25-Jul-46

2883

Wdn
(Dec-63)

5730

984
(Apr-64)

2884

Wdn
(Oct-67)

Strengthened

Jun-62

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed

Jun-63

"

"

"

"

"

"

Reformed

Jun-64

2861
(ex.973)

 

5897
(ex.Loose)

 

"

"

Reformed

Feb-65

"

 

"

 

"

"

Wdl

c.Jun-67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note

Set Notes

#

Strengthened set reformed around original set’s coaches.

Cond.

Condemned

Disb.

Disbanded

Wdl.

Withdrawal (approximate date believed set taken out of service)

 

 

 

BR(S) Green liveried BSK 2884 in strengthened set 984 at Basingstoke. Whilst the adjacent Maunsell SK is probably 1857, the number of the locomotive is unknown.

(Friday, 8th June 1962)

© Peter H. Swift (Mike King Collection)

 

CK Reclassifications

In 1964 all four 64’ multidoor CK coachers were reclassified SK and renumbered; two of these (1728 & 1729) were placed into other sets:

 

CK
No.

Set
No.

Date
renum.

SK
No.

Set
No.

Date
Wdn

5727

981

Sep-64

1727

981

Aug-67

5728

982

Sep-64

1728

964

Aug-66

5729

983

Aug-64

1729

980

Sep-66

5730

984

Apr 64

1730

984

Aug-67

 

 

 

BR(S) Green liveried CK 2884 in recently-strengthened set 984 at Basingstoke. Just visible is Bulleid CK 5872 and (with its two lavatory window vents) the adjacent Maunsell coach appears to be SK 1810 (many Maunsell coaches were used for set-strengthening prior to their withdrawal).

(Friday, 8th June 1962)

© Peter H. Swift (Mike King Collection)

 

64’ Set Strengthening

Towards the end of their working life all four 64’ sets were strengthened to eight-car using Bulleid and Maunsell coaches with the following information obtained from both the Lancing Works and CM&EE Record Cards for each set. The dates beneath each set indicate the formation of that set until withdrawal of its coaches; the set probably having previously been taken out of service.

NB - It should be noted that there are some discrepancies between these official Record Card and Carriage Working Notice formations and contemporary observations made by the Southern Carriage & Wagon Society (a group of rolling stock enthusiasts led by Laurie Mack from 1959 to about 1968).

 

Set

Coach

Number

Ex. Set

Date.

Diag. No.

981
Jun-62

BSK

2877

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

SK

1858 ‡70

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

SK

1874 ‡71

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

CK

5868

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5727

981

14-Jun-46

2317 (B)

SK

1822

Loose

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1890

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

BSK

2878

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

981
Jun-63 to Jun-64

BSK

2877

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

SK

1883 ‡72

Loose

Jun-63

2008 (M)

SK

1914 ‡73

Loose

Jun-63

2011 (M)

CK

5868

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5727 ‡74

981

14-Jun-46

2317 (B)

SK

1822 ‡75

Loose

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1890

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

BSK

2878

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

981
Jun-64 to Sep-64

BSK

2877

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

SK

1727

981

Jun-64

2317 (B)

SK

1852 ‡76

Loose

Jun-64

2008 (M)

CK

5884

80

Jun-64

2318 (B)

CK

5868

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

1192 ‡77

955

Jun-64

2001 (M)

SK

1890 ‡78

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

BSK

2878

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

981
Feb-65 to Jun-67
(Wdn)
(Note4)

BSK

2877

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

SK

1727 ‡79

981

Jun-64

2317 (B)

SK

34 ‡80

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

CK

5884 ‡81

80

Jun-64

2318 (B)

CK

5868 ‡82

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

35 ‡83

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

SK

36 ‡84

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

BSK

2878

981

14-Jun-46

2122 (B)

982
Jun-62 to May-63
(Note 4)

BSK

2879

982

23-Jun-46

2122 (B)

SK

1829

269

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1855 ‡85

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

CK

5728

982

23-Jun-46

2317 (B)

CK

5808

239

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

1834

Loose

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1864

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

BSK

2880

982

23-Jun-46

2122 (B)

982
May-63 to Dec-63
(Wdn)

BSK

2879

982

23-Jun-46

2122 (B)

SK

1829 ‡86

269

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1853 ‡87

Loose

May-63

2008 (M)

CK

5728 ‡88

982

23-Jun-46

2317 (B)

CK

5808 ‡89

239

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

1834 ‡90

Loose

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1864 ‡91

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

BSK

2880

982

23-Jun-46

2122 (B)

983
Jun-62 to Dec-62
(Disb)

BSK

2881

983

4-Jul-46

2122 (B)

SK

1270 ‡92

Loose

Jun-62

2001 (M)

SK

1276

Loose

Jun-62

2001 (M)

CK

5869

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5729

983

4-Jul-46

2317 (B)

SK

1273

Loose

Jun-62

2001 (M)

SK

1274 ‡93

Loose

Jun-62

2001 (M)

BSK

2882

983

4-Jul-46

2122 (B)

983
Jun-63 to Dec-63
(Disb)

BSK

2881

983

4-Jul-46

2122 (B)

SK

1824 ‡94

960

Jun-63

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1276 ‡95

Loose

Jun-62

2001 (M)

CK

5869 ‡96

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

CK

5729

983

4-Jul-46

2317 (B)

SK

1273 ‡97

Loose

Jun-62

2001 (M)

SK

1843 ‡98

Loose

Jun-63

2001Ϯ (M)

BSK

2882

983

4-Jul-46

2122 (B)

984
Jun-62 to Dec-62
(Note 5)

BSK

2883

984

25-Jul-46

2122 (B)

SK

1888 ‡99

Loose

Jun-62

2008 (M)

SK

1810

Loose

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

CK

5730

984

25-Jul-46

2317 (B)

CK

5872

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

1835

204

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1857 ‡100

803

Jun-62

2008 (M)

BSK

2884

984

25-Jul-46

2122 (B)

984
Jun-63 to Dec-63

BSK

2883 ‡101

984

25-Jul-46

2122 (B)

SK

1810 ‡102

Loose

Jun-63

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1194

Loose

Jun-63

2001 (M)

CK

5730 ‡103

984

25-Jul-46

2317 (B)

CK

5872

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

1835 ‡104

204

Jun-62

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1917

Loose

Jun-63

2011 (M)

BSK

2884

984

25-Jul-46

2122 (B)

984
Jun-64 to Oct-64

BSK

2861

973

Jun-64

2121 (B)

SK

1730

984

25-Jul-46

2317 (B)

SK

1194 ‡105

Loose

Jun-63

2001 (M)

CK

5897

Loose

Jun-64

2318 (B)

CK

5872

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

1863 ‡106

973

Jun-64

2001Ϯ (M)

SK

1917 ‡107

Loose

Jun-63

2011 (M)

BSK

2884

984

25-Jul-46

2122 (B)

984
Feb-65 to Aug-67
(Wdn)

BSK

2861 ‡108

973

Jun-64

2121 (B)

SK

1730 ‡109

984

25-Jul-46

2317 (B)

SK

38 ‡110

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

CK

5897 ‡111

Loose

Jun-64

2318 (B)

CK

5872 ‡112

Loose

Jun-62

2318 (B)

SK

40 ‡113

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

SK

41 ‡114

Loose

Feb-65

2019 (B)

BSK

2884

984

25-Jul-46

2122 (B)

 

Note

Set

Strengthening Notes

B

 

Bullied coach

M

 

Maunsell coach

Ϯ

 

Two lavatory-vents

Note 4

982

Carriage Working Notice for Jun-62 identifies SK 1890 (Loose to set 981) in formation instead of SK 1864.

Note 5

984

Carriage Working Notice for Jun-62 identifies SK 1843 (Loose to set 983) in formation instead of SK 1857.

#70

981

SK 1858 withdrawn Dec-62

#71

SK 1874 withdrawn Dec-62

#72

SK 1883 withdrawn 13-Jun-64

#73

SK 1914 to Loose (Bertram Mills train) Jun-64

#74

CK 5727 became SK 1727 Sep-64

#75

SK 1822 to Loose (Bertram Mills train) Jun-64

#76

SK 1852 withdrawn Nov-64

#77

SK 1192 withdrawn Nov-64

#78

SK 1890 withdrawn Nov-64

#79

SK 1727withdrawn Aug-67

#80

SK 34 withdrawn Jul-67

#81

CK 5884 withdrawn Aug-67

#82

CK 5868 withdrawn Jan-68

#83

SK 35 withdrawn Jul-67

#84

SK 36 withdrawn Apr-67

#85

982

SK 1855 withdrawn Dec-62

#86

SK 1829 withdrawn Nov-64

#87

SK 1853 withdrawn May-64

#88

CK 5728 became SK 1728 Sep-64

#89

CK 5808 withdrawn May-67

#90

SK 1834 withdrawn May-64

#91

SK 1864 withdrawn Dec-63

#92

983

SK 1270 withdrawn Dec-62

#93

SK 1274 withdrawn Dec-62

#94

SK 1824 withdrawn Oct-64

#95

SK 1276 withdrawn Apr-64

#96

CK 5869 withdrawn Oct-67

#97

SK 1273 withdrawn Dec-63

#98

SK 1843 withdrawn Dec-63

#99

984

SK 1888 withdrawn Dec-62

#100

SK 1857 withdrawn Dec-62.

#101

BSK 2883 withdrawn Dec-63

#102

SK 1810 withdrawn Dec-63

#103

CK 5730 became SK 1730 Apr-64

#104

SK 1835 withdrawn 13-Jun-64

#105

SK 1194 withdrawn Oct-64

#106

SK 1863 withdrawn Oct-64

#107

SK 1917 withdrawn Oct-64

#108

BSK 2861 withdrawn Aug-67

#109

SK 1730 withdrawn Aug-67

#110

SK 38 withdrawn Aug-67

#111

CK 5897 withdrawn Aug-67

#112

CK 5872 withdrawn Sep-67

#113

SK 40 withdrawn 16-Jul-66

#114

SK 41 withdrawn Jul-67

 

 

 

 

‘Multidoor’ compartment side of BTK no.2870 from set  977 at Bournemouth West. Note the vertical ‘repair’ beading added to the body panels.

 (Monday, 5th September 1960)

© A.E. West (Mike King Collection)

 

‘Multidoor’ Stock Liveries

Originally outshopped in post-war SR ‘Malachite’ green; only four 59’ multidoor sets did not receive Crimson Lake & Cream (CLC) livery; these being sets nos. 969, 971, 974 and 977.

But CLC was not to last and many were rapidly repainted into BR(S) green way before their ‘due date’ (often when they had been scheduled for varnishing on the 2½-yearly varnishing cycle or even when in works receiving attention). Such was the impetus to repaint into green most Bulleid 59’ multidoor coaches only carried CLC livery for two to three years. Just one set managed forty-nine months in CLC; another was repainted after just seventeen months.

The last multidoor sets to be outshopped in CLC livery from SR ‘Malachite’ were in 1956 (nos.965, 966 & 975 in March and 978 & 979 in April) with the first set (no.974) into BR(S) green from SR ‘Malachite’ in July 1956. The first of the CLC-liveried sets outshopped into BR(S) green took place in June 1957. Most sets received BR(S) green in 1957; two in 1958 and just one set kept CLC livery into January 1959; this also being the last year for Maunsell corridor sets in CLC livery.

With few exceptions, fixed coaching sets were normally varnished /painted as a set and whilst in service would be subject to the same degree on weathering (etc). Accordingly, sets were often reasonably consistent in their condition. However, where sets were strengthened (for example for summer services) the additional coaches may vary in appearance. Although rare, some sets included mixed green /CLC stock and latterly at least one green Mk1 three-car set (no.551) was strengthened in September 1963 with ex-WR lined maroon stock until they could be repainted green.

There is much debate on SR ‘Malachite’ green and the somewhat limited number of colour photographs from that period cannot necessarily be relied upon (notwithstanding weathering /varnishing /fade /any differences in colour of paint batches etc.). In this respect Michael Welch’s book ‘Southern Coaches in Colour’ is worth referring to as it yields significant colour and tonal differences in photographs of both ‘BR green’ and crimson lake coaches. Colour-shade does matter but is a difficult subject.

Following nationalisation, the coach numbers had an ‘S’ prefix thence ‘S’ suffix added. However, the ‘Southern’ branding wasn’t necessarily removed (at least) until re-varnishing took place. The 1st /3rd numbering usually remained in place on SR malachite liveried coaches (by this time only select boat trains conveyed 2nd class passengers) until 2nd class was abolished on Sunday 3rd June 1956 (after when 3rd class was renamed 2nd class). Accordingly, the number ‘3’ was usually removed upon re-varnishing /re-painting unless the coach had cause to visit Lancing Works. On the SR-liveried ‘multidoor’ composites the number ‘1’ is not located centrally on the door; photographic evidence supports this positioning.

Set 983 was amongst the last BR(S) coaching sets to receive Crimson Lake & Cream livery being outshopped 14th-19th June 1956.

 

Set No.

SR ‘Malachite’
Green (New)

Outshopped CLC
(Crimson Lake & Cream)

Outshopped
BR(S) Green

963

14-Mar-46

22-Oct-53

22-Aug-57

964

14-Mar-46

18-May-53

19-Jun-57

965

3-Mar-46

16-Mar-56

24-Jun-58

966

20-Mar-46

6-Mar-56

23-Dec-57

967

21-Feb-46

25-Mar-55

4-Sep-57

968

15-Feb-46

11-Dec-53

23-Jul-57

969

27-Mar-46

No

10-May-57

970

11-Mar-46

2-Dec-55

10-Sep-59

971

26-Feb-46

No

5-Feb-57

972

5-Mar-46

27-Jul-54

27-Feb-58

973

11-Mar-46

29-Aug-55

27-Nov-57

974

27-Mar-46

No

11-Jul-56

975

20-Mar-46

21-Mar-56

17-Dec-57

976

20-Mar-46

25-Jul-55

12-Nov-57

977

26-Feb-46

No

2-Oct-57

978

8-Apr-46

26-Apr-56

Sep-58+

979

15-feb-46

5-Apr-56

18-Sep-57

980

12-Apr-46

26-Jul-55

22-Jan-59

981

14-Jun-46

27-Jul-55

15-May-58

982

23-Jun-46

15-Apr-55

10-Jul-57

983

4-Jul-46

19-Jun-56

5-Jun-58

984

25-Jul-46

16-Aug-54

19-Sep-59

Notes

 

 

+ No.2872
(11-Dec-57)

 

 

 

 

Two coaches of set 978 at Havant (circa 1959) with A1X ‘Terrier’ 32646

(CK being 5724 and the BSK probably 2872)

© Dr T. Gough (Mike King Collection)

 

Multidoor Stock Deployment
Set 978

Set 978 was used on the Hayling Island branch between 1959 and 1962 albeit as a 2-Cor set often sandwiched between two loose Mk1 non-corridor seconds; the other BSK (from set 978) being employed as a Loose coach.


Set Workings

Originally built for mainline services from Waterloo to the West of England, when the later Bulleid stock was introduced the ‘multidoor’ stock did compare slightly unfavourably so were deployed on Waterloo – Basingstoke - Salisbury and Waterloo – Bournemouth – Weymouth services.

1955

Subsequently these ‘multidoor’ sets were shewn as allocated Waterloo – West of England, Waterloo – Basingstoke – Salisbury and Waterloo – Weymouth workings (for example 1955 Carriage Working Notice):

Set Nos.

1955 Working

Type

963. 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983 & 984

1955 ‘M’ notes

Waterloo – Bournemouth – Weymouth etc.

Waterloo – Basingstoke – Salisbury

Waterloo – West of England

3-car

 

1957

Into 1957 (and through to 1960) all these ‘multidoor’ sets were simply allocated to Waterloo – West of England and Waterloo – Weymouth workings with Waterloo – Basingstoke – Salisbury workings not being separately shewn in the Carriage Working Notices:

 

Set Nos.

1957 - 1960 Workings

Type

963. 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983 & 984

1957 - `1960 ‘L’ notes

Waterloo – West of England

Waterloo – Bournemouth – Weymouth

3-car

 

1961

However, by 1961 ten of these sets (963 to 972) were deployed to S&D duties with another seven sets were allocated to the Oxted lines, Brighton – Horsham and Reading – Tonbridge services (it is understood that these three-car ‘multidoor’ sets did not venture east of Tonbridge).

The 1961 Carriage Working Notice disposition was as follows:

 

Set Nos.

1961 Working

Type

963. 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972

1961 ‘SD’ notes

Bournemouth West – Bath

3-car

973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979

1961 ‘T’ notes

London – East Grinstead – Forest Row – Tunbridge Wells West – Brighton – Eastbourne.

Reading South – Redhill – Tonbridge.

Brighton – Horsham.

3-car

980, 981, 982, 983 & 984

1961 ‘L’ notes

Waterloo – West of England

3-car

 

From 1959 to 1962 set no. 978 was used on the Hayling Island branch reduced to a two-set (BSK + CK) often sandwiched between two loose Mk1 seconds. As an aside the driving brake second of pull-push set no.619 was also seen with two Mk1 seconds operating on the branch (possibly in 1963) albeit not in pull-push mode.

In June 1962 set nos. 980 (and 64’ multidoor sets 981, 982, 983 and 984) was strengthened to eight cars (using both Bulleid and Maunsell vehicles). Set nos. 973, 978 and 979 were similarly strengthened in 1963 (Eastleigh Works’ records shew date for set no. 973 as being 13th August 1963); some of these being allocated to inter-regional workings. Set nos. 974, 975 and 976 were strengthened to six cars using Maunsell corridor seconds.

1963

The 7th June 1963 Carriage Working Notice disposition was as follows:

 

Set Nos.

1963 Working

Type

963. 964, 965, 966, 967,
968, 969, 970, 971 & 972

1963 ‘SD’ notes

Bournemouth West – Bath

3-car

973

1963 ‘J’ notes

Waterloo – Salisbury

Waterloo – Bournemouth – Weymouth

Through services to other Regions

8-car

974, 975

1963 ‘G’ notes

Margate - Wolverhampton

6-car

 976

1963 ‘G’ notes

Eastbourne /Hastings – Birmingham

6-car

977

1963 ‘S’ notes

Eastbourne /Hastings – Birmingham

4-car

978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983 & 984

1963 ‘J’ notes

Waterloo – Salisbury

Waterloo – Bournemouth – Weymouth

Through services to other Regions

8-car

 

 

 

 

Corridor side of 59’ CK no.5712 from set 977 at Templecombe.

Note the horizontal ‘repair’ beading added to the body panels.

(Sunday, 18th August 1963)

© A.E. West (Mike King Collection)

 

Multidoor Withdrawals

Following the December 1963 and 1965 withdrawals, some twenty Bulleid ‘multidoor’ coaches survived as ‘Loose’ into 1967; the CK coaches having been downgraded to SK. Only BSK no.2850 survived at Horsham (Chipman Weed Killing Train) but this was scrapped in 1991 (at the Mid-Hants railway) understood to be as a consequence of severe corrosion.

Summary of withdrawals as follows:

 

Original
set no.

BSK
No.

BSK
Wdn

Wdn
in set

CK
No.

CK
 Wdn

Wdn
in set

BSK
No.

BSK
Wdn

Wdn
in set

963

2841

Dec-63

963

5709

Dec-63

963

2842

Dec-63

963

964

2843

Nov-66

964

5710

Aug-67

Loose

2844

Aug-67

964

965

2845

Dec-63

965

5711

Dec-63

965

2846

Dec-63

965

966

2847

Dec-63

966

5712

Dec-63

966

2848

Dec-63

966

967

2849

Oct-67

Loose

5713

Dec-63

967

2850

Nov-65

967

968

2851

Jul-67

Loose

5714

Aug-67

Loose

2852

Dec-67

Loose

969

2853

Dec-63

969

5715

Dec-63

969

2854

Dec-63

969

970

2855

Dec-63

970

5716

Dec-63

970

2856

Dec-63

970

971

2857

Dec-63

971

5717

Dec-63

971

2858

Dec-63

971

972

2859

Dec-63

972

5718

Dec-63

972

2860

Dec-63

972

973

2861

Jun-64

984

5719

Jul-67

967

2862

Dec-63

973

974

2863

Dec-63

974

5720

Dec-63

974

2864

Dec-63

974

975

2865

Dec-63

975

5721

Dec-63

975

2866

Dec-63

975

976

2867

Jul-67

Loose

5722

Jan-68

Loose

2868

Sep-67

Loose

977

2869

Dec-63

977

5723

Dec-63

977

2870

Dec-63

977

978

2871

Dec-63

978

5724

Dec-63

978

2872

Dec-63

978

979

2873

Dec-63

979

5725

Dec-63

979

2874

Dec-63

979

980

2875

Jul-67

Loose

5726

Dec-63

980

2876

Jul-66

Loose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original
set no.

Coach No.

Coach Wdn

Wdn
in set

Coach No.

Coach Renum.

New
No.

Coach No.

Coach Wdn

Wdn
in set

981

2877

Aug-67

Loose

5727

Sep-64

1727

2878

Jul-67

Loose

982

2879

Dec-63

982

5728

Sep-64

1728

2880

Dec-63

982

983

2881

Dec-63

983

5729

Aug-64

1729

2882

Dec-63

983

984

2883

Dec-63

984

5730

Apr 64

1730

2884

Oct-67

Loose

 

 

 

 

New from Eastleigh Works on 14th March 1946 (in post-War Malachite), set 963 was outshopped from Lancing Works in CLC livery on 22nd October 1953 thence appears to have gained BR(S) green on 14th September 1957. Here it is hauled by N-class 31848 in its October 1955 to February 1957 guise (that is without smoke deflectors).

© Ewhurst Green

 


Bulleid Multidoor Stock
 4mm modelling

Prior to Hornby’s ready-to-run stock Ian Kirk did make kits of the Bulleid 59’ multidoor stock; these proved popular. Latterly these kits entered the ‘Colin Ashby’ range before being advertised by  Phoenix Kits (part of Phoenix Paints) The potential for modifying these kits to create 64’ multidoor stock has yet to be explored.

BSL produced kits for both the Bulleid 59’ and 64’ ‘multidoor’ stock; the Southern Railways Group taking these into their Phoenix range. Current availability is unclear.

 

SR ‘Malachite’ no.5719 (corridor side)
© Ewhurst Green

SR ‘Malachite’ no.5719 (compartment side)
© Ewhurst Green

BR(S) Green No. S2859S (corridor side)
© Ewhurst Green

BR(S) Green No. S2859S (compartment side)
© Ewhurst Green

Models supplied by Morris Models

 

Hornby’s Model (2019)

Hornby initial 2019 release of 59’ multidoor stock was four-number three-coach sets. Sold as individual coaches, these arrived in model shops as two batches (June and July 2019) with a number of retailers incorrectly describing these as Bulleid ‘Suburban’ coaches – presumably down to their ‘multidoor’ appearance.

In terms of the model, Hornby have (correctly) modelled the curved glass used in these coaches (the door droplights /toplights were flat glass). British Railways drew much inspiration from the Bulleid stock but opted to use flat glass in its designs. The glazing has also been correctly fitted with No Smoking signage (triangular red on white triangle) in the side-lights and one-piece opaque side-lights for the toilet compartments. Hornby has also made an excellent job of the roof-top periscope detail.

Hornby has also included both the original & later type of Guard’s handrails and on BR(S) sets, the reinforcement beading (covering up the butt-joints) added to the coach sides at waist level and vertically on the brake van sides. On the underframes the later-type brake Vee-hanger (with the two vacuum cylinders replacing a larger single cylinder) mounted outside of the truss-rodding is modelled (the single vacuum brake Vee-hanger was mounted behind); this modification being undertaken on Bulleid coaches during the nineteen-fifties. Unfortunately, this modification does not show up on the works record cards so BloodandCustard currently cannot confirm any precise modification dates for these coaches.

 

In placing the two Hornby multidoor coaches together any different between the BR(S) green and SR ‘Malachite’ green isn’t really discernible.

© Ewhurst Green

 

Factory-fitted with tension locks, the model coaches come with Hornby’s ‘Roco-style’ coupling; ostensibly for use within the sets Hornby’s ‘Roco-style’ coupling being some 2mm longer than Roco’s own coupler. Alternatively, Kadee buckeye couplers (no.18) work well. If needed (and like Hornby’s Maunsell coaches) the set’s intermediate buffers should be easy to retract using 40” square plasticard.

In terms of differences between Kadee buckeye couplers and Roco-types, the buckeyes can be easily lifted off the track (unless pairs of Keen or Modeller’s Mecca corridor connections (cat. No. LS-24) are being utilised – usually only one is needed) and these do mirror the buckeye coaches of the real coaches. However, the Kadee buckeye couplers introduce ‘slack’ whereas Roco-types give a firm ‘rigid’ coupling. The Roco-types aren’t so easily parted although this isn’t so much of an issue if the coaching sets are remaining on the layout.

Inside the coaches seating has been painted by Hornby ready for adding passengers (if required). Preiser Seated People (cat. no.16328 – pack 120 figures unpainted) work well, for the underscale ‘H0’ size fit comfortably within the slightly overscale interiors and don’t look out of place.

Other work includes touching in the butterflies in red along with starting to add fittings such as dynamo belts and grime!

 

An unlikely combination on Ewhurst Green of H-class tank 31265
hauling Bulleid 3-set 968 with SR-liveried CK no.5719 from set 973.

© Ewhurst Green

 

Hornby’s range offered the following 59’ ready-to-run coaching sets:

 

Set No.

Notes.

965

Corridor brake 3rd (BTK) nos.2845 & 2846 outshopped Eastleigh 1st December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5711 outshopped Eastleigh 5th March 1946.

Period of Hornby model March 1946 to March 1956

In 1961 this 3-car set was one of ten allocated to S&D services with set disbanded in December 1963.

967

Corridor brake 3rd (BTK) nos.2849 & 2850 outshopped Eastleigh 15th December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5713 outshopped Eastleigh 26th December 1945.

Period of Hornby model March 1955 to August 1959

968

Corridor brake 3rd (BTK) nos.2851 & 2852 outshopped Eastleigh 15th December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5714 outshopped Eastleigh 15th February 1946.

Period of Hornby model July 1957 to March 1963

In 1961 this 3-car set was one of ten allocated to S&D services. Reformed into an 8-car set in March 1963.

972

Corridor brake 3rd (BTK) nos.2859 & 2860 outshopped Eastleigh 18th December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5718 outshopped Eastleigh 15th February 1946 with set formed 5th March 1946.

Period of Hornby model February 1958 to December 1963

In 1961 this 3-car set was one of ten allocated to S&D services. Disbanded in December 1963.

973

Corridor brake 3rd (BTK) nos.2861 & 2862 outshopped Eastleigh 31st December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5710 outshopped Eastleigh 11th March 1946.

Period of Hornby model March 1946 to August 1955

In 1961 this 3-car set was one of seven allocated to the Oxted lines /Brighton – Horsham /Reading – Tonbridge services. Reformed into an 8-car set in August 1963.

 

Hornby models released to-date (i.e. by mid-July 2019).

 

Set
No.

Coach
No.

Diag.
No.

Coach
Type

Hornby’s advertised
Coach Livery

Outshopped CLC
(Crimson Lake & Cream)

Outshopped
BR(S) Green

Cat.
No.

965

2845

2121

BTK

SR ‘Malachite’ green

16th March 1956

24th June 1958

R4884 #1

965

5711

2316

CK

SR ‘Malachite’ green

16th March 1956

24th June 1958

R4882 #1

965

2846

2121

BTK

SR ‘Malachite’ green

16th March 1956

24th June 1958

R4884A #1

967

S2849S

2121

BSK

BR(s) green

23rd March 1955

31st August 1959

R4888D #2

967

S5713S

2316

CK

BR(s) green

23rd March 1955

31st August 1959

R4888E #2

967

S2850S

2121

BSK

BR(s) green

23rd March 1955

31st August 1959

R4886B #2

968

S2851S

2121

BSK

BR(s) green

11th December 1953

22nd July 1957

R4888 #1

968

S5714S

2316

CK

BR(s) green

11th December 1953

22nd July 1957

R4886 #1

968

S2852S

2121

BSK

BR(s) green

11th December 1953

22nd July 1957

R4888A #1

972

S2859S

2121

BTK

BR(s) green

27th July 1953

27th February 1958

R4888B #1

972

S5718S

2316

CK

BR(s) green

27th July 1953

27th February 1958

R4886A #1

972

S2860S

2121

BTK

BR(s) green

27th July 1953

27th February 1958

R4888C #1

973

2861

2121

BSK

SR ‘Malachite’ green

29th August 1955

27th November 1957

R4884B #1

973

5719

2316

CK

SR ‘Malachite’ green

29th August 1955

27th November 1957

R4882A #1

973

2862

2121

BSK

SR ‘Malachite’ green

29th August 1955

27th November 1957

R4884C #1

 

Notes

Model Year

#1

2019

#2

2021

 

Finally, robust coverage on these model coaches has been undertaken by Graham Muzpratt.


Hornby’s 59’ multidoor BTK (from set no. 968) compared to Bachmann 64’ BTK (from set 865) seen here on Ewhurst Green.

In model terms the latter was introduced in 1993. However, with super-detailing such as cast roof vents, flush-glazing, footboards, finescale wheels, new couplings, interior detailing (and so forth) still provide for a very credible model.

© Ewhurst Green

 

 

Recommended Reading

Recommended reading is as follows:

The Illustrated History of Southern Coaches
Mike King
[ISBN 0 86093 570 1]

Southern Coaches Survey – Pre-grouping and BR MK1 Stock
Mike King
[ISBN 978-0-86093-665-7].

Maunsell’s SR Steam Carriage Stock
David Gould
[Oakwood Press]

Bullied’s SR Steam Carriage Stock
David Gould
[Oakwood Press]

Lancing 1956
Glen Woods
[ISBN 9 780956 765529]

Southern Coaches in Colour
Michael Welch
[ISBN 9 781906 419455]

 

Prepared by C. Watts with much thanks to the late Glen Woods, historical author Mike King (including permission to use photographs from his collection) and the work of David Gould.

Copyright C. Watts & Photographs as stated.

June 2019 (updated 2022)