BR Mk1 TSO
3749

3749 is the third and final of our trio of TSO sisters, and was initially outshopped from Doncaster works in November 1953 as M3749. The vehicle had B1 bogies when built and was initially allocated to the Midland region as with sisters 3745 & 3746.

3749 spent 9 years and 1 month on the Midland region before being transferred to the Eastern region in December 1962. Here it gained the number E3749. It remained on the Eastern region for just under 3 years, before following its sisters to the Southern region in November 1965.
Whilst allocated to the Southern region the vehicle was given the number S3749 and was converted to air brakes and electric heating, and also had its B1 bogies replaced with the Commonwealth variety it still has to this day. This was so it could run at faster speeds with greater comfort. The vehicle remained on the Southern region until its initial withdrawal in January 1989. Lasting a couple of years longer in service than its sisters. 
S3749 was then re-instated into service as a departmental coach only a month after withdrawal. Gaining the number TDB977623. It carried on in this guise until finally withdrawn from BR in October 1990. TDB977623 was intended to be used as a Class 90 Driver Training coach, alongside our coaches 3991 & 4058, but in the end the conversion got cancelled. 
Purchased from BR by a AVR member on the 3rd September 1993, it was initially stored at at Long Marston. This was until the 25th November 2020 when it was moved to Bitton. As part of the restoration, vacuum brakes and steam heating will be re-installed.

If you have any information about this carriage that you would like to add, please email it to: info@avonvalleyrailway.org.