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• No 9038 is returned to traffic...
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Saturday 13 May 2006 was an historic day for the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust as its Great Western Railway Sleeping Car, no 9038, was returned to traffic after a twenty-year restoration project. The coach was officially opened by Lady Acland-Hood-Gass, President of the Trust, who cut the ceremonial ribbon at Bishops Lydeard station before the coach left for Minehead behind WSR 2-6-0 no 9351 on the 10.25am train.
The coach looked magnificant in the morning sun and conveyed specially invited guests including contributors to the restoration and representatives of the WSR Plc and WSRA to Minehead and back. A second round trip took place in the afternoon for further guests. Wine and canapees were served to the passengers, courtesy of Shane Tarr who acted as steward for the day. Trust Secretary Chris van den Arend was interviewed for ITV News and a short item was duly screened in the evening.
The sleeping car was constructed in 1897 and was used on the Paddington to Fishguard service, linking with the Irish ferry. it was withdrawn from service and sold for accommodation in 1933 - it being built into a bungalow that was called "Journey's End" at Stogursey.
The Trust recovered the vehicle in 1985 and have been working on it since. Although now mostly complete, we are still waiting for several replacement tip-up washbasins to be supplied to complete the job. The coach has 8 single berth compartments, and seating for 6 people. It is the intention that it should be placed on display in the Gauge Museum, but until then will be returned to its home in the Tarmac shed at Williton.
Ian Coleby
West Somerset Steam Railway Trust Archivist
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Click the thumbnail for the bigger picture...
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GWR Sleeping Car no 9038
 and uncles of the photographer.&p=Courtesy of Malc Stacey&w=480&h=903813052006&b=GWR Sleeping Car no 9038)
