Restoration of BR Mk1 coach No.3919
This page provides updates on the painstaking restoration of the Railway’s own BR Mk1 coach No.3919, which is one of three Mk1s owned by the Northampton and Lamport Railway CIO.
This is a Tourist Second Open (TSO) coach which was assembled at Eastleigh Works and originally numbered № S3919.
It passed into preservation in 1990 and arrived at the NLR in in March that year.
Restoration began in earnest in 2016 and is being undertaken by a group of our volunteers. The restoration is expected to cost roughly £25,000.
Below is a gallery of images showing progress on 3919 to date.
If you’d like to get involved in restoring 3919 and our other coaches, please visit our volunteering page
We are appealing for donations to enable the completion of this key project. Work can only progress as fast as funds allow, so please consider donating today.
If you would like to DONATE to help us return 3919 to its former glory, to be enjoyed by all our visitors, please either:
DONATE
You can donate to this project securely online via our dedicated fundraising page
Or send cheques payable to ‘Northampton and Lamport Railway CIO’ to: CIO Coach Restoration Fund, Pitsford and Brampton Station, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, NN6 8BA
March 2016 – repairing steelwork to the southern toilet end
March 2016 – refurbished and resealed window
Feb 2016 – stripping panels, which shows the extent of water ingress damage
Jan 2017 – the interior before work starts
July 2017 – replacing wood panelling around window
July 2017 – repainted ceiling, refurbished lamp shades and luggage racks
Sept 2017 – refurbishing tables
Sept 2018 – the southern end structure is supported by the adjacent coach whilst structural work is carried out
November 2018 – new toilet compartment floor fitted
June 2019 – south end compartment restoration complete
Sept 2019 – starting to dismantle and clear the north end compartment
Nov 2019 – Cleaning and re-sealing the windows
Jan 2020 – cleaning and refurbishing all fittings
Aug 2021 – first coat of primer applied to east side
Sept 2021 – preparing the woodwork in the centre vestibule
Nov 2021 – repairing panelling on east side centre door
March 2022 – Cutting out rotten floor and support welding
May 2022 – Cleaning roof vent before painting
May 2022 – primer applied to east side
August 2022 – Filling dents on east side
January 2023 – north compartment, refitting panels and racks
February 2023 – north compartment, seat frame re-fitting.
Sept 2023 – First crimson top coat, east side.
November 2023 – Filling and flattening external door.
Dec 2023 – North compartment complete!
June 2024 – East side lacquered after striping.