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Passenger Carrying Coaches

Bulleid’s ‘Multidoor’ Stock
(963-980 & 981-984)

‘Mulitdoor’ compartment side of ex-works 59’ CK no.5726 from set 980.

© British Railways (Mike King Collection)

59’ Sets 963 to 980

Following Bulleid’s succession to Maunsell on the Southern Railway, designs were started in 1938 for new coaching stock on the South Western Main Line from Waterloo to Bournemouth – Weymouth and Salisbury – Exeter routes. Although design work commenced in 1938 the order couldn’t be place until 1944 for eighteen number three-coach restriction ‘4’ sets (numbered 963 to 980) built on Maunsell-type 59ft underframes.

These underframes had been fabricated in 1940 but when WW2 stopped the construction of the coach bodies the underframes were placed into store which sadly set them up for corrosion in later life. The BTK coaches (nos.2841 to 2876) seated 40 no. 3^rd class passengers; the CK coaches (nos.5709 to 5726) seated 24 no. 1^st class and 24 no. 3^rd class passengers.

Corridor side of ex-works 59’ CK no.5726 from set 980.

© British Railways (Mike King Collection)

Three-car sets numbered 963 to 980 were formed:

BTK (to Diagram 2121)

CK (to Diagram 2316)

BTK (to Diagram 2121)

In 1941 Bullied had introduced a bodyside profile on 4 SUB unit no.4101 featuring a new profile (with a continuous curve from floor level) and these coaches adopted that style. On the doors they also featured the characteristic lozenge-shaped toplights above the droplights; a particular useful feature for looking out when standing ready to leave the coach (the bodyside curve of the coach would not permit a deeper /taller droplight).

With doors for each compartment on the non-corridor side (following Maunsell’s coach-layout practice) they became known as ‘multidoor’ coaches; particularly after the later designs of Bulleid coaches employing saloons and compartments with vestibules entered service. This saloon /vestibule stock offered greater passenger comfort and ‘multidoor’ stock quickly found less favour with express services.

Set 976 in empty stock from Waterloo arriving at Clapham Junction

(Wednesday, 2^nd April 1958)

Seen running into the Carriage Sidings from the London-end of Clapham Junction’s platforms 7/8, the train’s first three coaches are Bulleid ‘Multidoor’ set no.976 formed (nearest) BSK 2868, CK 5722 & BSK 2867. The locomotive is M7 no.30123.

© Ben Brooksbank (CC-by-SA/2.0)

Original 59’ Formations

The date identified for each 59’ set formation (unless stated otherwise) is the outshopping of the last vehicle needed to form each set; this being the CK coaches.

Where these sets were subsequently strengthened the strengthening vehicles /details are shew in the section titled ‘59’ Set Strengthening’; only strengthening dates and subsequent reformation dates are provided here.

Set No.	Formed /Reform.	BTK No.	BTK sent to	CK No.	CK sent to	BTK No.	BTK sent to
963	14-Mar-46	2841^#1	Cond^‡2 (19-Dec-63)	5709	Cond^‡1 (19-Dec-63)	2842^#1	Cond^‡1 (19-Dec-63)
Cond.	19-Dec-63
964	14-Mar-46	2843^#1	Wdn (12-Oct-66)	5710	Wdn (12-Oct-66)	2844^#1	Wdn (12-Oct-66)
Strengthened	Jan-64	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed^#	Feb-65	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdn	12-Oct-66
965	5-Mar-46	2845^#3	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5711	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	2846^#3	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Wdn	28-Dec-63
966	20-Mar-46	2847^#3	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5712	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	2848^#3	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Wdn	28-Dec-63
967	21-Feb-46	2849^‡4	Wdn (Oct-67)	5713	Wdn (Dec-63)	2850^‡4	Wdn (6-Nov-65)
Reformed	Jun-64	"	"	5719 (ex.973)	Wdn (Jul-67)	"	"
Strengthened	Jun-64	"	"	"	"	"	"
Disb	c.Sep-65
968	15-Feb-46	2851^‡4	Wdn (Jul-67)	5714	Wdn (Aug-67)	2852^‡4	Wdn (Dec-67)
Strengthened	Jun-64	"	"	"	"	"	"
Disb	c.Jun-67
969	27-Mar-46	2853^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5715	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	2854^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Wdn	by Dec-63
970	11-Mar-46	2855^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5716	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	2856^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Wdn	by Dec-63
971	26-Feb-46	2857^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5717	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	2858^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Wdn	by Dec-63
972	5-Mar-46	2859^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5718	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	2860^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Wdn	by Dec-63
973	11-Mar-46	2861^‡4	984 (Jun-64)	5719	967 (Jun-64)	2862^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Strengthened	Aug-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Disb	c.Dec-63
974	27-Mar-46	2863^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63	5720	Wdn (28-Dec-63	2864^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63
Strengthened	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Disb.	by Dec-63
975	31-Dec-45	2865^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63	5721	Wdn (28-Dec-63	2866^‡4	Wdn (28-Dec-63
Strengthened	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdn	by Dec-63
976	20-Mar-46	2867^‡5	Wdn (Jul-67)	5722	Wdn (Jan-68)	2868^‡5	Wdn (Sep-67)
Strengthened	Oct-62	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed^#	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed^#	Jun-64	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdn	Jun-67
977	19-Jan-46	2869^‡5	Wdn (Dec-63)	5723	Wdn (Dec-63)	2870^‡5	Wdn (Dec-63)
Strengthened	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdn	by Dec-63
978	8-Apr-46	2871^‡6	Wdn (Dec-63)	5724	Wdn (Dec-63)	2872^‡6	Wdn (Dec-63)
Strengthened	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdn	by Dec-63
979	15-Feb-46	2873^‡6	Wdn (Dec-63)	5725	Wdn (Dec-63)	2874^‡6	Wdn (Dec-63)
Strengthened	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdn	by Dec-63
980	12-Apr-46	2875^‡7	Wdn (Jul-67)	5726	Wdn (Jul-66)	2876^‡7	Wdn (Jul-66)
Strengthened	Jun-62	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed^#	Jun-64	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed^#	Feb-65	"	"	"	"	"	"
Disb	c.Jun-66

Note	Set Notes
#	Strengthened set reformed around original set’s coaches.
‡1	Outshopped new 20-Nov-45
‡3	Broken up at Eastleigh 1-Feb-64
‡3	Outshopped new 1-Dec-45
‡4	Outshopped new 31-Dec-45
‡5	Outshopped new 19-Jan-46
‡6	Outshopped new 31-Jan-46
‡7	Outshopped new 6-Feb-46
Cond.	Condemned
Disb.	Disbanded
Wdn.	Withdrawn

Corridor side of ex-works 59’ BTK no.2876 from set 980.

© British Railways (Mike King Collection)

59’ Set Strengthening

Whilst withdrawals started in December 1963 (with set nos.963, 965, 966, 969, 970, 971, 972, 982, 983 & 984; later followed by 974, 975, 977, 978 and 979) from June 1962-on set nos. 964, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 979 and 980 were strengthened up to eight-coaches with the following information obtained from both the Lancing Works and CM&EE Record Cards for each set.

Set	Coach	Number	Ex. Set	Date.	Diag. No.
964 Jan-64 to Oct-64 (Note^1)	BSK	2843	964	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1829 ^#10	982	Jun-64	2001 (M)
	SK	1728	982	Jun-64	2317 (B)
	CK	5710	964	New	2316 (B)
	CK	5907	433	Jun-64	2319 (B)
	SK	1837 ^#11	433	Jun-64	2001 (M)
	SK	1235 ^#12	Loose	Jun-64	2001 (M)
	BSK	2844	964	New	2121 (B)
964 Feb-65 to Oct-66 (Wdn)	BSK	2843	964	New	2121 (B)
	SK	31 ^#13	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	SK	1728 ^#14	982	Jun-64	2317 (B)
	CK	5710	964	New	2316 (B)
	CK	5907 ^#15	Loose	Jun-64	2319 (B)
	SK	90 ^#16	474	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	SK	91 ^#17	474	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	BSK	2844	964	New	2121 (B)
967 Dec-63 to Jun-64 (Note^2)	BSK	2849	967	New	2121 (B)
	CK	5711 ^#18	967	New	2316 (B)
	(CK)	(5719)	(973)	(Jun-64)	(2316 (B)
	BSK	2850	967	New	2121 (B)
967 Jun-64 to Nov-65 (Note^3)	BSK	2849	967	New	2121 (B)
	SK	47 ^‡19	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	SK	1932 ^‡20	823	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	CK	5719 ^‡21	973	Jun-64	2316 (B)
	CK	5900 ^‡22	973	Jun-64	2318 (B)
	SK	1933 ^‡23	823	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	SK	1934 ^‡24	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	BSK	2850	967	New	2121 (B)
968 Jun-64 to Jun-67 (Wdn)	BSK	2851	968	New	2121 (B)
	SK	51 ^‡25	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	SK	52 ^‡26	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	CK	5714	968	New	2316 (B)
	CK	5885 ^‡27	271	Jun-64	2318 (B)
	SK	53 ^‡28	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	SK	55 ^‡29	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	BSK	2852	968	New	2121 (B)
973 Jun-63 to Dec-63 (Disb)	BSK	2861	973	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1206 ^‡30	Loose	Jun-63	2001 (M)
	SK	1863 ^‡31	Loose	Jun-63	2008 (M)
	CK	5900 ^‡32	961	Jun-63	2316 (B
	CK	5719	973	New	2316 (B)
	SK	1898 ^‡33	Loose	Jun-63	2008 (M)
	SK	1915 ^‡34	Loose	Jun-63	2011 (M)
	BSK	2862	973	New	2121 (B)
974 Jun-63 to Dec-63 (Disb)	BSK	2863	974	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1211 ^‡35	Loose	Jun-63	2001 (M)
	CK	5720	974	New	2316 (B)
	SK	1865 ^‡36	Loose	Jun-63	2008 (M)
	SK	1887 ^‡37	249	Jun-63	2008 (M)
	BSK	2864	974	New	2121 (B)
975 Jun-63 to Dec-63 (Wdn)	BSK	2865	975	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1212 ^‡38	Loose	Jun-63	2001 (M)
	CK	5721	975	New	2316 (B)
	SK	1268 ^‡39	Loose	Jun-63	2008 (M)
	SK	1813 ^‡40	956	Jun-63	2001^Ϯ (M)
	BSK	2866	975	New	2121 (B)
976 Oct-62 to Jun-63	BSK	2867	976	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1225	Loose	Oct-62	2008 (M)
	CK	5722	976	New	2316 (B)
	BSK	2868	976	New	2121 (B)
976 Jun-63 to Jun-64	BSK	2867	976	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1225 ^‡41	Loose	Oct-62	2008 (M)
	CK	5722	976	New	2316 (B)
	SO	----	Loose	Jun-63	----
	SO	----	Loose	Jun-63	----
	BSK	2868	976	New	2121 (B)
976 Jun-64 to Jun-67 (Wdn)	BSK	2867	976	New	2121 (B)
	SK	46 ^‡42	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	SK	48 ^‡43	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	CK	5722	976	New	2316 (B)
	CK	5751 ^‡44	770	Jun-64	2315 (B)
	SK	49 ^‡45	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	SK	39 ^‡46	Loose	Jun-64	2019 (B)
	BSK	2868	976	New	2121 (B)
977 Jun-63 to Dec-63 (Wdn)	BSK	2869	977	New	2121 (B)
	SK	----	----	Jun-63	----
	CK	5723	977	New	2316 (B)
	BSK	2870	977	New	2121 (B)
978 Apr-63 to Dec-63 (Wdn)	BSK	2871	978	New	2121 (B)
	SK	----	----	Apr-63	----
	SK	----	----	Apr-63	----
	CK	5806 ^‡47	436	Apr-63	2318 (B)
	CK	5724	978	New	2316 (B)
	SK	----	----	Apr-63	----
	SK	----	----	Apr-63	----
	BSK	2872	978	New	2121 (B)
979 Jun-63 to Dec-63 (Wdn)	BSK	2873	979	New	2121 (B)
	SK	----	----	Jun-63	----
	SK	----	----	Jun-63	----
	CK	5876 ^‡48	266	Jun-63	2318 (B)
	CK	5725	979	New	2316 (B)
	SK	----	----	Jun-63	----
	SK	----	----	Jun-63	----
	BSK	2874	979	New	2121 (B)
980 Jun-62 to Jun-64	BSK	2875	980	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1803 ^‡49		Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1804 ^‡50		Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	CK	5874	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5726	980	New	2316 (B)
	SK	1805 ^‡51		Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1808 ^‡52		Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	BSK	2876	980	New	2121 (B)
980 Jun-64 to Feb-65	BSK	2875	980	New	2121 (B)
	SK	1206 ^‡53	973	Jun-64	2008 (M)
	SK	1729	883	Jun-64	2317 (B)
	CK	5874	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5726	980	New	2316 (B)
	SK	1236 ^‡54		Jun-64	2008 (M)
	SK	1208 ^‡55		Jun-64	2008 (M)
	BSK	2876	980	New	2121 (B)
980 Feb-65 to Jun-66 (Disb)	BSK	2875	980	New	2121 (B)
	SK	85 ^‡56	474	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	SK	1729 ^‡57	983	Jun-64	2317 (B)
	CK	5874 ^‡58	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5726	980	New	2316 (B)
	SK	86 ^‡59	474	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	SK	87 ^‡60	474	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	BSK	2876	980	New	2121 (B)

Note	Set	Strengthening Notes
B		Bullied coach
M		Maunsell coach
Ϯ		Two lavatory-vents
Note^1	964	Set 964 possibly OOU Oct-64 to Feb-65
Note^2	967	Set 967 CK 5711 withdrawn Dec-63 but not replaced with 59’ 5719 (ex. disb.973) until Jun-64.
Note^3	967	Set 967 possibly OOU until Jun-64 reformation and strengthening when 59’ CK 5719 (ex. 973) added to the set along with strengthening with 64’ CK 5900 (ex.961) and 64’ SK coaches 1932, 1933 & 1934 (ex. Loose).
‡10	964	SK 1829 withdrawn Oct-64
‡11		SK 1837 withdrawn Nov-64
‡12		SK 1235 withdrawn Nov-64
‡13		SK 31 withdrawn Jun-67
‡14		SK 1728 (ex. CK 5728 set 982) withdrawn Aug-66
‡15		CK 5907 withdrawn Jan-68
‡16		SK 90 withdrawn Aug-67
‡17		SK 91 withdrawn Jul-67
‡18	967	CK 5711 withdrawn Dec-63 (orig. CK for set 967).
‡19		SK 47 withdrawn Aug-67
‡20		SK 1932 withdrawn Aug-67
‡21		CK 5719 (ex. set 973) withdrawn Jul-67
‡22		CK 5900 withdrawn Jul-67
‡23		SK 1933 withdrawn Dec-67
‡24		SK 1934 withdrawn May-68
‡25	968	SK 51 withdrawn Jun-67
‡26		SK 52 withdrawn Nov-67
‡27		CK 5885 withdrawn Jul-67
‡28		SK 53 withdrawn Jul-67
‡29		SK 55 withdrawn Jul-67
‡30	973	SK 1206 withdrawn Nov-64
‡31		SK 1863 withdrawn Nov-64
‡32		CK 5900 to set 967 Jun-64
‡33		SK 1898 withdrawn Jun-64
‡34		SK 1915 withdrawn Jun-64
‡35	974	SK 1211 withdrawn Oct-64
‡36		SK 1865 withdrawn Jun-64
‡37		SK 1887 withdrawn Oct-64
‡38	975	SK 1212 withdrawn Jul-65
‡39		SK 1268 withdrawn May-64
‡40		SK 1813 withdrawn Jul-64
‡41	976	SK 1225 withdrawn 18-Apr-64
‡42		SK 46 withdrawn Jul-67
‡43		SK 48 withdrawn Aug-67
‡44		CK 5751 (Prototype seven-comp.) withdrawn Jul-67
‡45		SK 49 withdrawn Jul-67
‡46		SK 39 withdrawn Dec-67
‡47	978	CK 5806 withdrawn 16-May-64
‡48	979	CK 5876 withdrawn 16-May-64
‡49	980	SK 1803 withdrawn Dec-63
‡50		SK 1804 withdrawn Dec-62
‡51		SK 1805 withdrawn 16-May-64
‡52		SK 1808 to Loose (Bertram Mills train) date XXX
‡53		SK 1206 withdrawn Oct-64
‡54		SK 1236 withdrawn Oct-64
‡55		SK 1208 withdrawn Oct-64
‡56		SK 85 withdrawn Oct-67
‡57		SK 1729 (ex. CK 5729 set 983) withdrawn Sep-66
‡58		CK 5874 withdrawn Jul-67
‡59		SK 86 withdrawn Jul-67
‡60		SK 87 withdrawn Aug-67
Cond.		Condemned
Disb.		Disbanded
OOU		Out of Use
Wdn.		Withdrawn

Southern liveried CK 5730 in set 984 at Clapham Yard

(Monday, 29^th July 1946)

© Dennis Cullum (Mike King Collection)

64’ Sets 981 to 984

During 1946 a further four Bulleid ‘multidoor’ sets were introduced; these being set numbers 981 & 982 - June 1946 and 983 & 984 – July 1946. However, these sets were built on the ‘new’ 64’ underframes; this being adopted as the standard length for Southern coaching stock. As a consequence, the BTK coaches (nos. 2877 to 2884) had six compartments (48 no. 3^rd class seats with a slightly smaller brake van) whilst the CK coaches (nos. 5727 to 5730) had an additional third-class compartment (24 no. 1^st /32 no. 3^rd class seats).

Three-car sets 981 to 984 were formed:

BTK (to Diagram 2122)

CK (to Diagram 2317)

BTK (to Diagram 2122)

The 64’ Bulleid ‘multidoor’ stock initially spend some time on Brighton /Portsmouth – Bristol services before being concentrated back on SW main line workings.

Where these sets were subsequently strengthened the strengthening vehicles /details are shew in the section titled ‘64’ Set Strengthening’; only strengthening dates and subsequent reformation dates are provided here.

Set No.	Formed /Reform.	BTK No.	BTK sent to	CK No.	CK (as SK) sent to	BTK No.	BTK sent to
981	14-Jun-46	2877	Wdn (Aug-67)	5727	981 (Sep-64)	2878	Wdn (Jul-67)
Strengthened	Jun-62	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed	Jun-63	"	"	5884 (ex.80)		"	"
Reformed	Jun-64	"	"	"		"	"
Reformed	Feb-65	"	"	"		"	"
Wdl	c.Jun-67
982	23-Jun-46	2879	Wdn (Dec-63)	5728	964 (Sep-64)	2880	Wdn (Dec-63)
Strengthened	Jun-62	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed	May-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Wdl	c.Sep-63
983	4-Jul-46	2881	Wdn (28-Dec-63)	5729	980 (Aug-64)	2882	Wdn (28-Dec-63)
Strengthened	Jun-62	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Disb	c.Sep-63
984	25-Jul-46	2883	Wdn (Dec-63)	5730	984 (Apr-64)	2884	Wdn (Oct-67)
Strengthened	Jun-62	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed	Jun-63	"	"	"	"	"	"
Reformed	Jun-64	2861 (ex.973)		5897 (ex.Loose)		"	"
Reformed	Feb-65	"		"		"	"
Wdl	c.Jun-67

Note	Set Notes
#	Strengthened set reformed around original set’s coaches.
Cond.	Condemned
Disb.	Disbanded
Wdl.	Withdrawal (approximate date believed set taken out of service)

BR(S) Green liveried BSK 2884 in strengthened set 984 at Basingstoke. Whilst the adjacent Maunsell SK is probably 1857, the number of the locomotive is unknown.

(Friday, 8^th June 1962)

© Peter H. Swift (Mike King Collection)

CK Reclassifications

In 1964 all four 64’ multidoor CK coachers were reclassified SK and renumbered; two of these (1728 & 1729) were placed into other sets:

CK No.	Set No.	Date renum.	SK No.	Set No.	Date Wdn
5727	981	Sep-64	1727	981	Aug-67
5728	982	Sep-64	1728	964	Aug-66
5729	983	Aug-64	1729	980	Sep-66
5730	984	Apr 64	1730	984	Aug-67

BR(S) Green liveried CK 2884 in recently-strengthened set 984 at Basingstoke. Just visible is Bulleid CK 5872 and (with its two lavatory window vents) the adjacent Maunsell coach appears to be SK 1810 (many Maunsell coaches were used for set-strengthening prior to their withdrawal).

(Friday, 8^th June 1962)

© Peter H. Swift (Mike King Collection)

64’ Set Strengthening

Towards the end of their working life all four 64’ sets were strengthened to eight-car using Bulleid and Maunsell coaches with the following information obtained from both the Lancing Works and CM&EE Record Cards for each set. The dates beneath each set indicate the formation of that set until withdrawal of its coaches; the set probably having previously been taken out of service.

NB - It should be noted that there are some discrepancies between these official Record Card and Carriage Working Notice formations and contemporary observations made by the Southern Carriage & Wagon Society (a group of rolling stock enthusiasts led by Laurie Mack from 1959 to about 1968).

Set	Coach	Number	Ex. Set	Date.	Diag. No.
981 Jun-62	BSK	2877	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1858 ^‡70	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	SK	1874^‡71	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	CK	5868	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5727	981	14-Jun-46	2317 (B)
	SK	1822	Loose	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1890	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	BSK	2878	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
981 Jun-63 to Jun-64	BSK	2877	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1883^‡72	Loose	Jun-63	2008 (M)
	SK	1914^‡73	Loose	Jun-63	2011 (M)
	CK	5868	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5727 ^‡74	981	14-Jun-46	2317 (B)
	SK	1822 ^‡75	Loose	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1890	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	BSK	2878	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
981 Jun-64 to Sep-64	BSK	2877	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1727	981	Jun-64	2317 (B)
	SK	1852 ^‡76	Loose	Jun-64	2008 (M)
	CK	5884	80	Jun-64	2318 (B)
	CK	5868	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	1192 ^‡77	955	Jun-64	2001 (M)
	SK	1890 ^‡78	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	BSK	2878	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
981 Feb-65 to Jun-67 (Wdn) (Note^4)	BSK	2877	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1727 ^‡79	981	Jun-64	2317 (B)
	SK	34 ^‡80	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	CK	5884 ^‡81	80	Jun-64	2318 (B)
	CK	5868 ^‡82	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	35 ^‡83	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	SK	36 ^‡84	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	BSK	2878	981	14-Jun-46	2122 (B)
982 Jun-62 to May-63 (Note ^4)	BSK	2879	982	23-Jun-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1829	269	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1855 ^‡85	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	CK	5728	982	23-Jun-46	2317 (B)
	CK	5808	239	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	1834	Loose	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1864	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	BSK	2880	982	23-Jun-46	2122 (B)
982 May-63 to Dec-63 (Wdn)	BSK	2879	982	23-Jun-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1829 ^‡86	269	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1853 ^‡87	Loose	May-63	2008 (M)
	CK	5728 ^‡88	982	23-Jun-46	2317 (B)
	CK	5808 ^‡89	239	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	1834 ^‡90	Loose	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1864 ^‡91	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	BSK	2880	982	23-Jun-46	2122 (B)
983 Jun-62 to Dec-62 (Disb)	BSK	2881	983	4-Jul-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1270 ^‡92	Loose	Jun-62	2001 (M)
	SK	1276	Loose	Jun-62	2001 (M)
	CK	5869	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5729	983	4-Jul-46	2317 (B)
	SK	1273	Loose	Jun-62	2001 (M)
	SK	1274 ^‡93	Loose	Jun-62	2001 (M)
	BSK	2882	983	4-Jul-46	2122 (B)
983 Jun-63 to Dec-63 (Disb)	BSK	2881	983	4-Jul-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1824 ^‡94	960	Jun-63	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1276 ^‡95	Loose	Jun-62	2001 (M)
	CK	5869 ^‡96	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	CK	5729	983	4-Jul-46	2317 (B)
	SK	1273 ^‡97	Loose	Jun-62	2001 (M)
	SK	1843 ^‡98	Loose	Jun-63	2001^Ϯ (M)
	BSK	2882	983	4-Jul-46	2122 (B)
984 Jun-62 to Dec-62 (Note^5)	BSK	2883	984	25-Jul-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1888 ^‡99	Loose	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	SK	1810	Loose	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	CK	5730	984	25-Jul-46	2317 (B)
	CK	5872	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	1835	204	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1857 ^‡100	803	Jun-62	2008 (M)
	BSK	2884	984	25-Jul-46	2122 (B)
984 Jun-63 to Dec-63	BSK	2883 ^‡101	984	25-Jul-46	2122 (B)
	SK	1810 ^‡102	Loose	Jun-63	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1194	Loose	Jun-63	2001 (M)
	CK	5730 ^‡103	984	25-Jul-46	2317 (B)
	CK	5872	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	1835 ^‡104	204	Jun-62	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1917	Loose	Jun-63	2011 (M)
	BSK	2884	984	25-Jul-46	2122 (B)
984 Jun-64 to Oct-64	BSK	2861	973	Jun-64	2121 (B)
	SK	1730	984	25-Jul-46	2317 (B)
	SK	1194 ^‡105	Loose	Jun-63	2001 (M)
	CK	5897	Loose	Jun-64	2318 (B)
	CK	5872	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	1863 ^‡106	973	Jun-64	2001^Ϯ (M)
	SK	1917 ^‡107	Loose	Jun-63	2011 (M)
	BSK	2884	984	25-Jul-46	2122 (B)
984 Feb-65 to Aug-67 (Wdn)	BSK	2861 ^‡108	973	Jun-64	2121 (B)
	SK	1730 ^‡109	984	25-Jul-46	2317 (B)
	SK	38 ^‡110	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	CK	5897 ^‡111	Loose	Jun-64	2318 (B)
	CK	5872 ^‡112	Loose	Jun-62	2318 (B)
	SK	40 ^‡113	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	SK	41 ^‡114	Loose	Feb-65	2019 (B)
	BSK	2884	984	25-Jul-46	2122 (B)

Note	Set	Strengthening Notes
B		Bullied coach
M		Maunsell coach
Ϯ		Two lavatory-vents
Note ^4	982	Carriage Working Notice for Jun-62 identifies SK 1890 (Loose to set 981) in formation instead of SK 1864.
Note ^5	984	Carriage Working Notice for Jun-62 identifies SK 1843 (Loose to set 983) in formation instead of SK 1857.
#70	981	SK 1858 withdrawn Dec-62
#71		SK 1874 withdrawn Dec-62
#72		SK 1883 withdrawn 13-Jun-64
#73		SK 1914 to Loose (Bertram Mills train) Jun-64
#74		CK 5727 became SK 1727 Sep-64
#75		SK 1822 to Loose (Bertram Mills train) Jun-64
#76		SK 1852 withdrawn Nov-64
#77		SK 1192 withdrawn Nov-64
#78		SK 1890 withdrawn Nov-64
#79		SK 1727withdrawn Aug-67
#80		SK 34 withdrawn Jul-67
#81		CK 5884 withdrawn Aug-67
#82		CK 5868 withdrawn Jan-68
#83		SK 35 withdrawn Jul-67
#84		SK 36 withdrawn Apr-67
#85	982	SK 1855 withdrawn Dec-62
#86		SK 1829 withdrawn Nov-64
#87		SK 1853 withdrawn May-64
#88		CK 5728 became SK 1728 Sep-64
#89		CK 5808 withdrawn May-67
#90		SK 1834 withdrawn May-64
#91		SK 1864 withdrawn Dec-63
#92	983	SK 1270 withdrawn Dec-62
#93		SK 1274 withdrawn Dec-62
#94		SK 1824 withdrawn Oct-64
#95		SK 1276 withdrawn Apr-64
#96		CK 5869 withdrawn Oct-67
#97		SK 1273 withdrawn Dec-63
#98		SK 1843 withdrawn Dec-63
#99	984	SK 1888 withdrawn Dec-62
#100		SK 1857 withdrawn Dec-62.
#101		BSK 2883 withdrawn Dec-63
#102		SK 1810 withdrawn Dec-63
#103		CK 5730 became SK 1730 Apr-64
#104		SK 1835 withdrawn 13-Jun-64
#105		SK 1194 withdrawn Oct-64
#106		SK 1863 withdrawn Oct-64
#107		SK 1917 withdrawn Oct-64
#108		BSK 2861 withdrawn Aug-67
#109		SK 1730 withdrawn Aug-67
#110		SK 38 withdrawn Aug-67
#111		CK 5897 withdrawn Aug-67
#112		CK 5872 withdrawn Sep-67
#113		SK 40 withdrawn 16-Jul-66
#114		SK 41 withdrawn Jul-67

‘Multidoor’ compartment side of BTK no.2870 from set 977 at Bournemouth West. Note the vertical ‘repair’ beading added to the body panels.

(Monday, 5^th September 1960)

© A.E. West (Mike King Collection)

‘Multidoor’ Stock Liveries

Originally outshopped in post-war SR ‘Malachite’ green; only four 59’ multidoor sets did not receive Crimson Lake & Cream (CLC) livery; these being sets nos. 969, 971, 974 and 977.

But CLC was not to last and many were rapidly repainted into BR(S) green way before their ‘due date’ (often when they had been scheduled for varnishing on the 2½-yearly varnishing cycle or even when in works receiving attention). Such was the impetus to repaint into green most Bulleid 59’ multidoor coaches only carried CLC livery for two to three years. Just one set managed forty-nine months in CLC; another was repainted after just seventeen months.

The last multidoor sets to be outshopped in CLC livery from SR ‘Malachite’ were in 1956 (nos.965, 966 & 975 in March and 978 & 979 in April) with the first set (no.974) into BR(S) green from SR ‘Malachite’ in July 1956. The first of the CLC-liveried sets outshopped into BR(S) green took place in June 1957. Most sets received BR(S) green in 1957; two in 1958 and just one set kept CLC livery into January 1959; this also being the last year for Maunsell corridor sets in CLC livery.

With few exceptions, fixed coaching sets were normally varnished /painted as a set and whilst in service would be subject to the same degree on weathering (etc). Accordingly, sets were often reasonably consistent in their condition. However, where sets were strengthened (for example for summer services) the additional coaches may vary in appearance. Although rare, some sets included mixed green /CLC stock and latterly at least one green Mk1 three-car set (no.551) was strengthened in September 1963 with ex-WR lined maroon stock until they could be repainted green.

There is much debate on SR ‘Malachite’ green and the somewhat limited number of colour photographs from that period cannot necessarily be relied upon (notwithstanding weathering /varnishing /fade /any differences in colour of paint batches etc.). In this respect Michael Welch’s book ‘Southern Coaches in Colour’ is worth referring to as it yields significant colour and tonal differences in photographs of both ‘BR green’ and crimson lake coaches. Colour-shade does matter but is a difficult subject.

Following nationalisation, the coach numbers had an ‘S’ prefix thence ‘S’ suffix added. However, the ‘Southern’ branding wasn’t necessarily removed (at least) until re-varnishing took place. The 1^st /3^rd numbering usually remained in place on SR malachite liveried coaches (by this time only select boat trains conveyed 2^nd class passengers) until 2^nd class was abolished on Sunday 3^rd June 1956 (after when 3^rd class was renamed 2^nd class). Accordingly, the number ‘3’ was usually removed upon re-varnishing /re-painting unless the coach had cause to visit Lancing Works. On the SR-liveried ‘multidoor’ composites the number ‘1’ is not located centrally on the door; photographic evidence supports this positioning.

Set 983 was amongst the last BR(S) coaching sets to receive Crimson Lake & Cream livery being outshopped 14th-19th June 1956.

Set No.	SR ‘Malachite’ Green (New)	Outshopped CLC (Crimson Lake & Cream)	Outshopped BR(S) Green
963	14-Mar-46	22-Oct-53	22-Aug-57
964	14-Mar-46	18-May-53	19-Jun-57
965	3-Mar-46	16-Mar-56	24-Jun-58
966	20-Mar-46	6-Mar-56	23-Dec-57
967	21-Feb-46	25-Mar-55	4-Sep-57
968	15-Feb-46	11-Dec-53	23-Jul-57
969	27-Mar-46	No	10-May-57
970	11-Mar-46	2-Dec-55	10-Sep-59
971	26-Feb-46	No	5-Feb-57
972	5-Mar-46	27-Jul-54	27-Feb-58
973	11-Mar-46	29-Aug-55	27-Nov-57
974	27-Mar-46	No	11-Jul-56
975	20-Mar-46	21-Mar-56	17-Dec-57
976	20-Mar-46	25-Jul-55	12-Nov-57
977	26-Feb-46	No	2-Oct-57
978	8-Apr-46	26-Apr-56	Sep-58^+
979	15-feb-46	5-Apr-56	18-Sep-57
980	12-Apr-46	26-Jul-55