Accommodation Coach Replacement

For many years, the Dean Forest Railway Society has provided volunteer accommodation in an ex-GWR Collett Third no. 5863, with compartments converted to provide bunk beds. In 2017, it was decided that this coach has deteriorated to the point where it will need to be replaced. To do this, the DFRS has purchased a professionally converted Mark 1 BCK carriage, which previously saw service as a support coach for a mainline charter company. 

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This carriage was transported to Cranmore Train Maintenance Services for repair work to doors and windows, as well as certain other tasks to bring it up to scratch. The carriage was delivered in early 2019, and repainted into a smart coat of BR Maroon. Progress from this point depends on the relaying of the 'long siding' at Norchard, where the carriage will reside. Years of decay have left this stretch of track unusable, so our committed volunteers are taking the time to completely relay the siding as well as clear the site surrounding it of discarded items and vegetation.

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While we had hoped to officially unveil the new coach in early 2020, complications around the laying of the 'long siding' as well as the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic have unfortunately delayed the project further. As at September 2020, new storage containers behind the renewed siding have been installed, which allows our team to restart work. If you would like to help out, please contact us here.