Fitting out seats in a "blank" carriage.

Hi all,

At Dartmoor Railway, we have a Mk1 BUO (Formerly Lab11) that has been undergoing restoration and we have come to a point now where we can start to fit out the Interior. Formerly a BSK, it is now an open layout.

Now, all our LHCS is maintained to CMS123 at defined periods set out in our SMS as they are all former BR Stock.
Obviously the requirement is for the BUO to comply to this document, however the C&W are in favour of fitting Loose Seating in a 2+1 arrangement around fixed tables (Because the South Devon have done it!?) Would this be allowed bearing in mind the carriage does not have Grandfather rights, and because it is being modified, are there a set of more modern standards necessary to comply to? I don't think just popping down B&Q and getting a couple of cheap sets is going to cut the mustard!!

Many Thanks!

 

I don't know what the official position is, but surely an application of common sense is called for. Is this vehicle ever going to be used for anything other than 25mph maximum running? Pullman firsts, Mk 1 restaurant cars and various buffet cars had loose seats and ran at 90mph. I've seen loose seats with a chain tether in (I think) the "Royal Scotsman" coaches if it really bothers you.

 

All i can say is that i've been in lots of buffet/griddle cars and they have loose seating around the tables as do coaches modified for disabled use.

 

I used to travel in the days before Sprinters on loco-hauled services Huddersfield to Manchester through Standedge and some sets had what I think was a First downgraded to Second which had fairly substantial loose chairs, I seem to recall in the blue check pattern upholstery. Needless to say there was a rush to this carriage by the regular travellers!

 

Basically you can fit what ever you want, as long as your not going above 25mph or onto NR metals, Our disabled coach has a mixture of both fixed 2x2 seating and loose seating in the disabled area, the 2x2 seating were newly made using ply sheets for the seat backs and sides using original metalwork, and newly uphoustered seat swabs .