BR(W) Auto Trailer No 232 - Bodmin

Work on the heavy overhaul of BR-built GW auto trailer No 232 is rapidly nearing completion at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. Following its purchase from the Paignton & Dartmouth in 2008, where it was largely used as their Directors saloon, the coach has been the subject of an extensive two-year rebuild carried out in the Railway's own workshops. The quality of the work - which has included the complete rebuilding of the interior and refitting the driving compartment - has to be seen to be believed, and superbly complimented by the attention to detail. No 232 is being outshopped in the later BR(W) lined maroon livery, which will make a nice contrast to the Railway's service train set (carmine and cream) and dining train (chocolate and cream).

Paired with GWR 64xx Class 0-6-0PT No 6435, the auto train will be launched into traffic and be one of the highlights at the B&W's Spring Steam Spectacular gala event on 8-11 April.

 

Have seen a few pictures of it - looking absolutely stunning. Congratulations to all involved, I think there should be only 1 winner of the HRA award for carriages this year.

 

Work on auto trailer 232 is now complete and, resplendent in lined maroon, looks absolutely superb. Many thanks for your kind comments Stewie! Together with No 6435, the BWR's auto train made a very successful test run on 16 March.....and the scene is now set for the auto train to make its public debut at the line's Spring Steam Spectacular gala event on 8-11 April as planned. It will be formally launched into traffic on Friday 8 April. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the special atmosphere of auto train travel, once a regular sight in Cornwall.

 

Its ok, since I posted that I've had a quick look around it on a visit down to Bodmin (well, as I had to go on a work trip to Truro, it would be rude not to stop on the way!). I can honestly say it looks even better in the flesh.

On a slightly off-topic note, the Vintage Carriage Survey records the GWR toplight corridor third No.2434 as still being at Bodmin. I remember having a little look around this vehicle down at Bodmin Road (still can't call it Parkway!) back in my dim and distant student days when I was a volunteer down there; I know the carriage shed is on those sidings now, but is the vehicle still around? Are there any plans for it?

 

Didn't realise it had been there quite that long, although it was a good few years later that I came across it. Last time I saw it, it was looking in a rather decrepit state, hence wondering if it was still around.

 

No 2434 is still indeed on the BWR and currently stored inside the shed at Bodmin Parkway, and thus protected from the elements. It is the Railway's aim in due course to create a two-coach GWR vintage train, comprising No 2434 (built 1910) and GWR Clerestory Saloon No 248 (built 1881) - both will be done to the same standard as auto trailer No 232....

 

Very nice, good to hear it. If they're done to the same standard then it is something worth waiting for.

 

Two other lines in Cornwall had auto trains:

The Plymouth - Saltash service (well Cornwall just).

The Chasewater and Newquey line was used by railmotors then auto tains from opeing to WWII, although afterwards it became a haunt of 45xx/4575 engines hauling trains normal manner.