As part of its commitment to inclusion and providing experiences for everyone regardless of mobility, the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has launched GWR 9581 into passenger service. It hopes this uniquely configured, accessible buffet car and saloon will prove an inspiration to other coach restorers across the heritage sector.
The restoration of the coach has been funded by the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust. Chair Judith Meredith explains why this was such an important project: “This is a perfect example of blending modern-day needs with heritage authenticity, and the Trust is very pleased to have played its part in providing a coach that meets the needs of more passengers. It has been finished to the Severn Valley’s very high coachwork standards, using the skills and ingenuity of many hands over the years.
“We know that this beautifully designed coach is going to give a wonderful experience to all those who use it. Thank you to the many people and organisations that have donated money and time to this wonderful project.”
Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director added: “This superb accessible buffet and saloon car further boosts the SVR’s already impressive range of accessible coaches. For some time now, we’ve been working towards running every service with accommodation for wheelchair and mobility aid users, and the conversion of 9581 takes us much closer to this being achieved. We are so grateful to every single team member who has given their time and skills to complete this groundbreaking project, and to the SVR Charitable Trust for funding the costs of the restoration.
“It’s another great example of the Severn Valley Railway leading the way for the heritage sector. GWR 9581 has been eight long years in the making, and we hope it will set a new benchmark – not just for the SVR, but for heritage railways everywhere.”
The coach was built in 1928 to a Great Western bow-ended design and originally numbered 5043. It spent its first 30 years as a run-of-the-mill third-class compartment coach, with a corridor down one side. It was then converted into a mess coach and workshop for many years, before being withdrawn. Bought in 1981 by the SVR-based 2587 Society, it was used as a base for the restoration of their locomotive, until no longer needed.
After ownership was transferred to SVR (Holdings) Plc, the coach became the foundation of an ambitious project; to create a wheelchair-accessible saloon and buffet car. It was decided to base the new accessible coach on a more suitable historic design; the Swindon diagram H33 bow-ended diner. This came with two passenger saloons and a central kitchen with double doors. It was renumbered as GWR 9581, a member of the class that was scrapped long ago.
The restoration was led by the SVR’s LNER Carriage Group, with volunteer Richard Gunning at the helm. He explained, “We didn’t just want to re-build it as an accessible coach – we wanted to make it authentically appealing, practical, and welcoming.”
Work began in 2017 at Bewdley. Due to extensive rot, new bodysides were built, based on the Swindon diagram H33 diner design. Original features were combined with modern adaptations, such as the GWR art deco-styled bar which features new a low-level section for wheelchair access and the fully accessible toilet with outward-opening doors for maximum passenger safety, also finished in GWR décor.
The carriage features two main areas: a buffet bar and a saloon, both with integrated wheelchair spaces. It’s heated by steam pipes concealed behind refurbished original GWR covers. Fellow volunteer Simon Marshall explained more: “We were amazed to discover these original covers hidden away in our store of ‘things that might come in useful one day’! They complement the decor perfectly. The buffet bar itself was inspired by the GWR ‘Quick Lunch Bar’ concept.
“Every detail, from the green fan-pattern upholstery to low-level emergency stop pulls, was designed with both accessibility and authenticity in mind.”
Despite pandemic delays and many unexpected repairs and challenges, the team have completed the coach to the very highest standard. Now clad in gleaming GWR chocolate and cream, it stands as a testament to SVR’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
The coach went into service on 18 September, the first day of the SVR’s Autumn Steam Gala, as part of the GWR set. It ran on the 11.45am service from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. The Gala runs through until Sunday 21 September and features a host of visiting locomotives as well as many of the SVR’s home fleet.
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