132-year-old royal carriage restored
 

Great Western's 132-year-old royal carriage restored

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-24498481

A Victorian railway carriage once used by royalty has been restored in Cornwall.
The saloon car was built for VIPs by the Great Western Railway in Swindon in 1881

You know Syd, it always gladdens my heart to see carriages restored. I think they are as important to our heritage, as our locomotives. Without this we could never travel behind our beloved engines and we need to see more.
Well done to all those who seldom get a mention when working on our coaches.
We also recently had a lovely example of the "Knotty Coach" at the Foxfield railway, it's wonderful to see them back on the rails.
Thanks for the info
All the best
Phil

It is for that very reason that I posted the report Phil. It gladdens my hart to see these old carriages restored and run where they can. Britain is very lucky in that they started the railways and the fact that some people had the presents of mind to save some of the old rolling stock and other railway memorabilia in such large numbers. Unfortunately we have lost some of the rolling stock and other railway related things, but I do think that Britain has some of the best memorabilia in the world. The USA, NZ, Europe and Australia have also saved a lot but I'm afraid Africa has a very poor record when it comes to saving their railway heritage, non more so than Zimbabwe (old Rhodesia), who have trashed about 98% of their steam locos, all their electric locos and a lot of their diesel locos.

There is still no where near enough time, effort and money being spent on restoring carriages, so it is great to be able to celebrate such a magnificent restoration.

Best wishes,

John H-T.