BR Mk1 TSO
3991

3991 was initially outshopped from York Carriage works in March 1954 as SC3991. The vehicle had B1 bogies when built and was initially allocated to the Scottish region, hence the "SC" before its number.

SC3991 spent 11 years and 8 months on the Scottish region before being transferred to the Southern region in December 1965. Here it gained the number S3991. It remained on the Southern region until its initial withdrawal in January 1989.

Whilst allocated to the Southern region the vehicle was given the number S3991 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. In May 1969 S3991 was allocated into the Fixed formation of coaches number 39. These were the 4-set that was mainly used on the Waterloo to Weymouth Quay services. Taking holiday makers to Weymouth for onward sailings.

S3991 was then re-instated into service as a departmental coach only a month after withdrawal, being reinstated in February 1989 at the same time as S3749. Here it gained the number TDB977627. It carried on in this guise until finally withdrawn from BR in October 1990. TDB977627 was intended to be used as a Class 90 Driver Training coach, alongside our coaches 3749 & 4058, but in the end the conversion was cancelled. 

Purchased from BR by a AVR member in 1991, it was initially stored at at Long Marston. This was until the 2009 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.