Carriage 19

From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group


Carriage 19
Carriage 19 in 2007 Photo Bruce_Brayne
Built By	Gloster Wagon Company order #282
Seating	First x 12 , Third x 24
Length	34 ft. 6 in.
Width	6 ft. 0 in.
History
Date Built	1879
Operating	FR Heritage Fleet
Carriages

1 Background
2 2006 Restoration
3 See also

[edit]Background

Collectively known as the "Bowsiders" because of the shape of their sides. These coaches were supplied to the Festiniog Railway by two builders in 1876 and 1879.

With Wrought iron frames, but not perpetuating the iron body bracing of Nos. 15 & 16, the running gear was provided by Boston Lodge in all cases. Note that the easy way to tell between these pairs is that 17 & 18 have only two wide panels, on either side of the first class windows, but 19 & 20 have three panels for two first class compartments.

Two further coaches, of similar, though not identical, dimensions and external appearance, came from the Gloster Wagon Company in November 1879, GWC order no. 282. Here again, more improvements and accomodation alterations were carried out; one 2nd class was derated to 3rd before 1887. With the exception of No. 19, partitions in all coaches (where existing between 3rd class compartments) were taken out. Detail variations may be discerned in many points, including the existance of window bars, ventilators and panelling. Variations in class are reflected by changes in door wodth and compartment bulkheads, and panels dividing windows. The present seating of 19 & 20 is 3/3/1/1/3/3. 36 seats, by modern reckoning; formerly 44.

Carriage 19 was restored in 1963, and had a major body repair in 1982. In 2006 it was restored to its Victorian Appearance. Here it is seen in the maroon and cream livery carried applied in the late 1980's.
*Date Unknown *Photo: Martin Ellis

On these carriages, the bodies mounted on indiarubber blocks and stood one inch above the underframes.

Spooner's Patent buffers were initially fitted; the timber used was teak and deal. Luxury was lavished in First class with an oil-cloth floor covering and carpetting; a time-table and vanity mirrors were displayed in mahogany frames above the seats. The 2nds had stuffed horse-hair seats covered by 'dark repp'. (Ref.: The Engineer.)

The internal lighting arrangments also varied a great deal between the 4 carriages dependng on the compartment arrangement.

Dimensions are Length: 34'6", Width: 6' and Height:7'8".

[edit]2006 Restoration

The carriage was restored to near its original ex works exterior as depicted in the Gloster works photo. One second class compartment was reinstated but the other which had been modified to take the brake cylinder was left as Third. The first class seats were maintained with the ex Mersey Rail style individual seats rather than restore the bench seats (of which there is no information). The panels above the seats are a fair reproduction of the original based on some mouldings which still exist and pencilled layout of the panelling still extant in the vehicle. The ceiling mouldings are correctly styled and the 'oilcloth' represents the style and colour of the original.

Carriage 19 is seen on 10/3/07 having been towed to Harbour Station as part of the pre season shunt. The coach is currently stored awaiting final interior work
*Date 10 March 2007 *Photo: Bruce Brayne

By the end of October 2006, Carriage 19 was very nearly finished in its new colours of all over Purple Brown.

It made an impromptu visit to Harbour station for a photo call, during the pre season shunting The carriage entetred service officially on 22nd May 2007 in the 175 commemoration train.