Last Thursday (18 September), the Severn Valley Railway introduced its new, accessible buffet car and saloon into passenger service.

The Severn Valley Railway Trust funded the restoration of the GWR 9581 coach. It has two main areas – a buffet bar and a saloon – both of which have wheelchair spaces. Steam pipes concealed behind refurbished original GWR covers provide heating in the coach.

The coach was built in 1928, and originally numbered 5043. It was constructed under a Great Western bow-ended design.

For its first thirty years, it operated as a third-class compartment coach and had a corridor along one side. After that, it was converted into a mess coach and workshop until it was withdrawn.

The 2587 Society, based at the Severn Valley Railway, bought the coach in 1981 and used it as a base for its locomotive restoration work.

Ownership of the coach transferred to SVR (Holdings) Plc, and a project was developed to create a wheelchair-accessible saloon and buffet car. The new accessible coach would be based on a more suitable historic design, the Swindon diagram H33 bow-ended diner. The coach was renumbered as GWR 9581, a member of the class that was scrapped long ago.

Work on converting the coach began in 2017 at Bewdley. It needed new bodysides due to extensive rot.

The project ensured that original features were combined with modern adaptations. For example, the GWR art deco-styled bar features a new, low-level section for wheelchair access, and the fully-accessible toilet with outward-opening doors is also finished in GWR décor.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused delays to the work, and further challenges were presented by several unexpected repairs and challenge.

The finished coach is clad in GWR chocolate and cream.

It entered service on 18 September, the first day of the SVR’s Autumn Steam Gala, running on the 11.45am service from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.

“This is a perfect example of blending modern-day needs with heritage authenticity, and the Trust is very pleased to have played its part in providing a coach that meets the needs of more passengers. It has been finished to the Severn Valley’s very high coachwork standards, using the skills and ingenuity of many hands over the years.

“We know that this beautifully designed coach is going to give a wonderful experience to all those who use it. Thank you to the many people and organisations that have donated money and time to this wonderful project.”

Judith Meredith, Chair, Severn Valley Railway