BR MK2b no 5446

[pherlopolus]

We run an events company working in the heritage rail sector (more fun than it sounds).

We did the man-maths and decided we needed a railway coach in our warehouse.

It arrives next Wednesday so will try and document it's arrival and what we plan to do with it.

Anyhow, track started to get welded today!

[Flying Phil]

...Interesting!
Nice to actually have a carriage going undercover.

[Flying Phil]

Did a bit of searching - is it this one?
BR 5446 Mk 2b Tourist Second Open built 1969
BR 5446 Mk 2b Tourist Second Open built 1969
BR 5446 Mk 2b Tourist Second Open built 1969


Present Location Mid Norfolk
County Location Norfolk
Designed For BR
Build Location Derby
Built by BR
Diagram number 105
Lot number 30791
Type TSO
First Number 5446
Later Numbers W5466
Present Number 5446
Current Livery BR Network South East
Gauge 4ft 8 1/2in
Wheel Arrangement 4-w bogies
Original Underframe Yes
Original Bogies/Wheelsets Yes
Additional Notes Mk 2b. Stored at Kineton, until P. Mid Norfolk by 11/08. In "as withdrawn" condition - and in storage sidings near Thuxton at 03/17.
External Structural Condition Fair
Internal Structural Condition Fair
Underframe Condition Fair
External Finish Fair
Internal Finish Fair
Degree of External Originality As built/last Passenger rebuild (BR or before)
Degree of Internal Originality As built/last Passenger rebuild (BR or before)
Degree of Underframe/Running Gear Originality As built/last Passenger rebuild (BR or before)
Degree of External Authenticity Good
Degree of Internal Authenticity Good
Degree of Underframe Authenticity Good
Rarity Many
Historical Importance no Immediate Importance/Not Applicable
Storage Open
Operating No
Survey Date 24/09/2012
Surveyor David Wigley
Photo Date 21/06/2009
Photo by Richard Cullen
At Risk No
Date Record Last Updated 13/06/2017

Samuael West 29/03/2017. Later view
Samuael West 29/03/2017. Later view

[pherlopolus]

I think condition "Fair" is being generous! It does appear to be complete - so returning to use isn't out of the realms of reality, but that's not why we got it...

Now delayed due to usual vagaries of working in the heritage rail industry. All track is in though.

[Yertis]

Which door are you bringing it through?

[pherlopolus]

Yertis said:

Which door are you bringing it through?

The roller one, we have measured (twice) and haulier is convinced it will come in. We have used bridge rail due to lower profile so in theory we have about 6" clearance. Prepared to lift the roller door off if need be.

Lots of photo's will be taken

[ecsrobin]

I’m intrigued as to what you’ll be doing with it.

[pherlopolus]

ecsrobin said:

I’m intrigued as to what you’ll be doing with it.

We run theatrical events around christmas time on trains, so we are mainly going to use it as a test bed for AV Stuff, Rehearsal space, for training videos etc, We are also eventually aiming to get it set up as a filming friendly location with a dressed platform and windows that can be removed so you can set up cameras outside and film in.

It's also 62 seats of desks for visitors who want some space to work, or we might list it as classroom space etc

[pherlopolus]

Update!

Still not arrived.

[pherlopolus]

pherlopolus said:

Update!

Still not arrived.

Now due to arrive Monday, let’s see if they can get it in at last!

[Condi]

pherlopolus said:

Now due to arrive Monday, let’s see if they can get it in at last!

Today is Tuesday? Did it arrive? Did it fit, or did you spend today unbolting the roller door to give you a few more inches??

[pherlopolus]

I was trying to find time for an update!

Here is a sneak peek, it fitted!

Judging by some seat reservation slips it was last in service in 1992 around Exeter.

Attached 24v and the lights still worked!

[ecsrobin]

That’s in need of a good wash! Was it complicated to get it in?

[pherlopolus]

From them arriving to departing they took about 6 hours, but that included tea breaks and banter too. No rushing very controlled. Haulage was about the same as purchase price lol.

A jet wash has cleared most of the graffiti of one side. We have a contract cleaner coming in Thursday to quote to do interior.

I have been semi involved with restorations of much worse (above the floor). If this was going back on rails properly there is quite a lot of rust. It isn't going to be hauled so we can do cosmetic only, and as it is going to be inside so shouldn't get worse.

[IJWS15]

Last used in '92..... you might want to sterilise the bogies and the underframe.

[pherlopolus]

Just found evidence that it was 1993 (pictures to follow!) I think anything on the underframes will have been nullified by now. bogies have been jetwashed though.

[pherlopolus]

[Condi]

Smut mag under a seat somewhere?

RIP porn fairy.

[pherlopolus]

Cleaners are in Monday to sort the inside out so who knows!

[Bluemondy]

NSE Livery under all that moss and grime!

That would be a lovely restoration project. Good luck with it