SR Maunsell carriage

Southern Railway Maunsell carriage
In service 1926 – 1967
Manufacturer Eastleigh
Constructed 1925–1936
Operator(s) Southern Railway and British Rail
Specifications
Car body construction Body-on-frame made of wood covered with steel sheeting
Car length 59 ft 0 in (17.98 m) [1]
Width 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m) [2]
Height 12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
Doors hinged slam
Weight 32 long tons (33,000 kg) [1]
Train heating Steam or electric or both
Bogies SR 8ft steam bogies
Braking system(s) automatic vacuum, air, or dual
Coupling system Drawhook or retractable knuckle coupler resting on drawhook
Track gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)

The Southern Railway Maunsell carriage was the first design family of railway carriages built by Southern Railway (SR) in the United Kingdom. Following grouping in 1923, SR had continued to build carriages to the designs of the previous three main companies (the London and South Western Railway, London Brighton and South Coast Railway and South Eastern and Chatham Railway railways), and the Maunsell carriage was intended to be the standard carriage design for use across the Southern Railway lines, incorporating the best features of each of the former companies' designs.

The Southern Railway believed in sets of carriages where groups of carriages stayed together for long periods of time.[2][3] The set number always appeared at the brake end.

Construction

In 1925 the first order was placed for the first Maunsell carriage. The coaches were 59 ft long with a width of 9 ft 3in and a height of 12 ft 4in.[4] The bogies were SR bogies with an 8 ft wheelbase.[5] The third class compartments were 6 ft 3in. wide seating 4 a side, while the first class compartments were 7 ft 1 3⁄4 in. wide and seated 3 a side.[2]

The body frame was mostly made of wood with steel sheeting, the roof was made of wood with canvas over it, the guard and luggage compartments had a width of 8 ft 7in, with pressed steel duckets between the differences in widths from luggage to passenger compartments. The decision about the gangways was decided in January 1924 with Pullman Gangways being adopted.[2]

In total over 1200 Maunsell Carriages were built with 139 sets being formed.[2]

Early 59 ft corridor stock

The first batch of coaches were built for the West of England as three-coach sets with a third brake, composite and a second third brake being in the set. Ten sets were constructed, with numbers 390-399.[2] The first batch was completed in October 1926. The seating capacity for a three-coach set was very low with 24 first and 88 third seats. After the first batch orders for a total of 16 sets were completed by 1929.[2]

A Maunsell Brake Corridor Composite with high corridor Windows

59 ft corridor stock 1929-1934

External view of a high corridor windowed Maunsell Brake Corridor Composite

In 1929 Maunsell modified his design to have high corridor windows, but the corridor windows at the ends of the coaches remained the same height to allow a destination board to be attached.[2] The design was authorised in April 1928 and the first order was for the Hastings line which required the coach width to be 8 ft 0  3⁄4in,[6] this was due to clearance issues. First Class compartments only seated two each side, Third Class three each side and roof board brackets were above the rain strip. Also in the order were coaches for the Folkestone line which required a width of 8 ft 6in.[7] Between 1929 and 1934 a total of 77 sets were completed by 1934 [2]

Later 59ft corridor stock

In early 1933 Southern Railway announced that 1065 Maunsell carriages were built. Most of the carriages built after 1934 were flushed sided and each toilet now had two sliding ventilator glasses, there were a few other minor alterations. Forty-six sets were built.[2]

Maunsell Post Office vans

In 1923 the Southern Railway inherited two main TPO services from the London and South Western Railway and South Eastern and Chatham Railway. The services were provided by pre-grouping carriages, but in 1936 a pre production model No. 4919 [8] was built and an order placed in 1939 for a Maunsell-designed Post Office sorting van (POSV) with two types: a sorting van of which four were built (including a pre-production model) and a tender van (POTV) of which four were built;[9] they both have offset gangways.[10]

In preservation three examples survive, two POSVs, 4922 at the Bluebell Railway and 4920 the Nene Valley Railway, and one POTV, 4958, at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway.

Maunsell push-pull sets

In 1959 British Railways (BR) started to convert 20 Maunsell brake composites and open seconds.[2] The brake composites in each set had the lavatory sealed off and the gangway at the brake end removed. A driving end was provided with two small windows fitted overlooking the track.[11] The Open Seconds had their lavatories removed and sealed off and gangway to the locomotive end removed. The sets were numbered 600 - 619.

In preservation two driving brake corridor and an open third survived, No. 6699, 6697 and 1323, all of which are at the Swanage Railway. The Swanage Railway want to create an authentic push-pull set with 6699 and 1323, forming Set No.619.[12]

Southern Railway use

The first sets that entered service in 1935 were assigned to the west area of the network and gradually spread all over the network,[2] The Maunsell coaching stock gradually replacing old pre-grouping stock. The coaches were always operated in sets with loose stock placed in sets when carriages were in overhaul.

Accidents involving Maunsell-built coaches 1927-1947[2]

During World War II between 1940 and 1944 16 Southern Railway-built coaches were destroyed in a number of different raids, many more were damaged but repaired and returned to service.

Liveries

Maunsell stock in Southern Railway had two main liveries the first was introduced by Maunsell and lasted to 1939 before Bulleid modernized the coloring in 1940.

British Railway use

The policy under which the Southern Railway operated set trains continued into the Southern Region of British Railways; sets were disbanded and created as British Rail (BR) tried to create a new timetable.[2] Since 1949 the official livery for all main line coaches had been crimson and cream, in seven years the whole of the Southern Region fleet should be crimson and cream but that wasn't the case as many sets were still in Southern Railway malachite green.[2] In 1959 as the Kent Coast electrification scheme was completed most restriction '0' were withdrawn at the same time. This decline continued as BR had more modern Bulleid and mark 1 coaching stock until 1967 where the last was withdrawn.[2] Many Maunsell coaches were sold by BR to heritage railways were they restored and operated.

Preservation

The carriages are well represented in preservation, with 34 preserved on heritage railways across the country. Two driving brake composite, four corridor composite, six brake third corridor three are under frames, one dining saloon, one kitchen first, two brake corridor composite, four brake unclassed open, five third open, two Post Office sorting van, two corridor third (one is an underframe), one corridor first under frame, one open second under frame, one Post Office tender van, and two unknown underframe.

Origin Number Type Location Notes Photograph
Southern Railway 5644 Corridor Composite Bluebell Railway Built in 1930, Stored awaiting restoration. Restriction '4' coach originally assigned to set 195 before going to set 455 in 1956 and set 195 in 1957, it was withdrawn in 1961.[2] Purchased in 1989 from Chipmans as part of CWT Set 8. This carriage has had its roof recovered but it was found the previous roof covering had been damaged and allowed water ingress. The carriage will require replacement cant rails and eradication of dry rot as part of its restoration.[13] It's considered to be one of the gems of the Bluebell's Maunsell fleet.
Southern Railway 3680 Brake Third Corridor Bluebell Railway Built in 1929, Under frame only. Restriction '0' coach originally assigned to set 479 before being loose in 1960 and to set 214 in 1961, it was withdrawn in 1961.[2] Purchased by Bluebell for component recovery.[14]
Southern Railway 7866 Dinning Saloon Bluebell Railway Built in 1927. Originally numbered 1365, Stored awaiting overhaul. Restriction '4' coach Altered to dinning car in 1954 it was withdrawn in 1963.[2] On arrival on the Bluebell, it was coupled to 7864, as a static buffet arrangement. It was returned to passenger traffic in 1970 after being used on passenger trains regularly in the 1970s until it was removed from traffic pending a major overhaul, which it still awaits.
Southern Railway 7864 Kitchen First Bluebell Railway Built in 1932. Stored undercover. Restriction '4' coach Altered to kitchen car in 1947 it was withdrawn in 1962.[2] Will be one of the next coaches to be restored as it will go some way toward creating a set available for regular use with the Maunsell locomotives.
Southern Railway 6575 Brake Corridor Composite Bluebell Railway Built in 1929. Stored awaiting a fairly major overhaul particularly at the brake end. Restriction '4' coach originally loose before going to set 23 in 1948, it was withdrawn in 1959.[2] The carriage has recently been repainted into Bluebell Blue livery to be partnered with Stepney as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. This carriage also featured in a limited edition Hornby pack bought out for the 50th Anniversary.
Southern Railway 4444 Brake Unclassed open Bluebell Railway Built in 1933. Out of service awaiting restoration. Restriction '1' coach originally loose before being converted to ambulance car 7921, it was withdrawn in 1959.[2] Its buddy was affected by dry rot before it arrived on the Bluebell, and this has not been completely eliminated. It's planned that 4444 will donate its underframe to the better-condition 4441.
Southern Railway 4441 Brake Unclassed open Bluebell Railway Built in 1933. Awaiting overhaul with a seriously damaged underframe but a reasonably complete body. Restriction '1' coach originally loose before going to set 181 in 1962, it was withdrawn in 1965.[2] It's planned to swap underframes with 4444 in the fullness of time, so this one can be restored.
Southern Railway 6686 Brake Corridor Composite Bluebell Railway Built in 1935. Operational, won the 'Highly Commended Coach of the Year' award for 1998/99. Restriction '4' coach always been loose, it was withdrawn in 1966.[2]
Southern Railway 1336 Third Open Bluebell Railway Built in 1933. In service and used on passenger trains. Restriction '4' coach always been loose, it was withdrawn in 1961.[2] It was restored from stripped-out ex-departmental condition.
Southern Railway 1309 Third Open Bluebell Railway Built in 1935. In service and used on passenger trains. Restriction '4' coach originally always been loose, it was withdrawn in 1962.[2] This coach is unique in preservation, and was restored from stripped-out departmental condition, in part thanks to parts stripped from identical No 1306 when the latter was in a scrap yard. On restoration in 1984 it won the first ever ARPS (now HRA) "Coach of the Year" award. As of 2016 it remains in regular service, with minimal further work having been required in the interim, although it is due a re-trim of seating which should have occurred during 2014.
Southern Railway 2356 Corridor Third Bluebell Railway Built in 1931. Awaiting overhaul. Restriction '1' coach originally in set 217 before being loose in 1959, it was withdrawn in 1961.[2] It was used for some years as the Carriage and Wagon Department Mess Coach. Overhaul possible in the future.
Southern Railway 3687 Brake Third Corridor Bluebell Railway Built in 1931. Undergoing overhaul and conversion back to original condition, after a BR rebuild and subsequent departmental conversion. Restriction '0' coach originally in set 214, it was withdrawn in 1961.[2] The interior is nearing completion and the doors have had all their timberwork overhauled and fitted.
Southern Railway 3724 Brake Third Corridor Bluebell Railway Built in 1930. Stripped out and rebuilt for use on Chipmans weed-killer train. Stored awaiting restoration, following use as an exhibition vehicle. Restriction '4' coach originally in set 207, it was withdrawn in 1962.[2] During its eventual restoration it may be converted into a wheelchair-accessible coach on passenger trains.
Southern Railway 4922 Post Office Sorting Van Bluebell Railway Built in 1939. Awaiting Restoration. Restriction '4' coach originally in set 207, it was withdrawn in 1977.[15]
Southern Railway 3725 Brake Third Corridor Colne Valley Railway Under frame only used as a crane runner
Southern Railway MAT 94117 (Not SR number) Not Known Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway Under frame only
Southern Railway 1019 Corridor Third Isle of Wight Railway Under frame only
Southern Railway 5618 Corridor Composite Kent and East Sussex Railway Operational
Southern Railway 7400 Corridor First Kent and East Sussex Railway Under frame only
Southern Railway 7798 Open Second Kent and East Sussex Railway Under frame only
Southern Railway 5153 Corridor Composite Kent and East Sussex Railway Awaiting restoration
Southern Railway 4432 Brake Unclassed Open Kent and East Sussex Railway Operational
Southern Railway 4443 Brake Unclassed Open Kent and East Sussex Railway Operational
Southern Railway 4920 Post Office Sorting Van Nene Valley Railway Awaiting Restoration
Southern Railway 4958 Post Office Tender Van Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway Awaiting Restoration
Southern Railway 3690 Brake Third Corridor Robertsbridge railway station Under restoration
Southern Railway 1381 Third Open Swanage Railway Under restoration
Southern Railway 1323 Third Open Swanage Railway Awaiting restoration
Southern Railway 2768 Brake Third Corridor Swanage Railway Under frame only, Awaiting restoration
Southern Railway 6699 Driving Brake Composite Swanage Railway Awaiting restoration
Southern Railway 6697 Driving Brake Composite Swanage Railway Awaiting restoration
Southern Railway 1346 Third Open Swanage Railway Under restoration
Southern Railway 5600 Corridor Composite Wishaw Awaiting restoration
Southern Railway 185392 (Not SR number) Not Known Swindon and Cricklade Railway Under frame only

References

  1. 1 2 http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/6686.html
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Gould, David Gould (2000). Maunsell's SR Steam Carriage Stock. The Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-85361-555-1.
  3. ↑ http://www.semgonline.com/coach/maunco01.html
  4. ↑ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/1309.html
  5. ↑ http://www.semgonline.com/coach/maunco03.html
  6. ↑ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/maunsell3687.html
  7. ↑ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/2356.html
  8. ↑ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/tpo_4922.html
  9. ↑ http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=518
  10. ↑ http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=517
  11. ↑ http://www.semgonline.com/coach/maunco04.html
  12. ↑ http://www.swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk/media/documents/SRT_Heritage_Coach_Restoration_Plan-FEBRUARY2013.pdf
  13. ↑ "Bluebell Railway Carriages - No.5644". Bluebell-railway.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-05-19.
  14. ↑ http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=3206
  15. ↑ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/tpo_4922.html
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