The Southwold Railway Trust has launched an appeal for the construction of a new passenger carriage inspired by those that originally operated the historic Southwold Railway line.

The proposed carriage will allow visitors to enjoy rides behind the Trust’s replica steam locomotive, ‘Blyth’.

Owing to the limited length of the existing track at the trust’s site in Southwold, Suffolk, the new vehicle would measure approximately 12 feet long.

It will incorporate an open veranda and a closed vestibule, carefully designed to replicate one end of the carriages supplied for the opening of the original railway in 1879.

Accessibility has been at the heart of the project, with the carriage set to be wheelchair accessible. This would enable a wider range of visitors to have the experience of enjoying travel on the Southwold Railway.

The Trust has so far secured a £25,000 grant from a local charity to support the project; however, total construction costs are expected to reach closer to £90,000. Through the Southwold Railway Trust website, the option to donate is available.