The Canadian Pacific Project is looking to raise £23,000 for seats and tables to go into two Bulleid carriages, which date back to the 1940s which are being restored at Ropley.
The carriages are part of the Canadian Pacific Project, which is restoring the Merchant Navy locomotive. CanPac, as it has become known as, will be the flagship locomotive at the Watercress Line and the two wooden framed carriages will form part of her carriage set.
No.1456 is a 64 seat open third carriage, with 32 seats per each open saloon. No.4367 is a semi-open brake third, this means it has one open saloon, two third-class compartments, and a guards van.
All of the seats for the open saloons are being manufactured new, this is because there were none to survive in either carriage. The internal frames for the compartment seats in No.4367 did survive, however, so these will be renovated and upholstered with a brand new fabric covering.
Drawings for the seats did not survive, but the group have the general arrangement drawings for the interiors of the carriages which do give dimensions. This, along with the experience of renovating Bulleid Brake No.4211 which has been in service for around 2 years, has allowed the group to make the new design for the new seats. The design of the seats will be identical to the old seats on the outside but will include some internal metal strengthening to allow a longer lifespan.
The seats will be covered in a brand new moquette and will be made by the original manufacturer, Holdsworth Fabrics, who are now known as Camira. The moquette is the Southern Railway Fleur-de-lys pattern. The carriages were used as part of the Bournemouth dining trains and tables in the open saloons.
The group’s target is to finish Bulleid open-third 1456 by March 2019 and are aiming for it to be in service by mid-2019. No.4367 will follow behind with a target date of 2020.
How can I help?
The group will really appreciate your donations to enable these carriages to be hauled behind their flagship loco, No.35005 Canadian Pacific.
Donations can be made via their My Donate page. Alternatively, you can send a cheque made payable to the Mid Hants Railway Preservation Society.
If you are a UK Taxpayer, you can also send a note with your postcode and gift aid your donation too. The Gift Aid form can be found by clicking here.
Cheques can be sent to Canadian Pacific Project, Mid Hants Railway, The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG
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