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. 3rd class passengers; the CK
coaches (nos.5709 to 5726) seated 24 no. 1st class and 24 no. 3rd
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.
Exterior and interior images (including the passenger corridor)
of an unknown 59’ composite can be seen the ‘Scotland Yard’
episode no.25 (The White Cliffs Mystery – first aired 1st
October 1957). Filmed in Clapham Yard, the coaches were in BR(S) Green livery
which suggests set 964, 968, 969, 971 or 974 was being the most likely
candidates. More information can be found on the British Railway Move Database.

|
Set 976
in empty stock from Waterloo arriving at Clapham Junction (Wednesday,
2nd 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 |
Formed
/Reform. |
BTK |
BTK |
CK |
CK |
BTK |
BTK |
|
963 |
14-Mar-46 |
2841#1 |
Cond‡2 |
5709 |
Cond‡1 |
2842#1 |
Cond‡1 |
|
Cond. |
19-Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
964 |
14-Mar-46 |
2843#1 |
Wdn |
5710 |
Wdn |
2844#1 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jan-64 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed# |
Feb-65 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdn |
12-Oct-66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
965 |
5-Mar-46 |
2845#3 |
Wdn |
5711 |
Wdn |
2846#3 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
28-Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
966 |
20-Mar-46 |
2847#3 |
Wdn |
5712 |
Wdn |
2848#3 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
28-Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
967 |
21-Feb-46 |
2849‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
2850‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Reformed |
Jun-64 |
" |
" |
5719 |
Wdn |
" |
" |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-64 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Disb |
c.Sep-65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
968 |
15-Feb-46 |
2851‡4 |
Wdn |
5714 |
Wdn |
2852‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-64 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Disb |
c.Jun-67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
969 |
27-Mar-46 |
2853‡4 |
Wdn |
5715 |
Wdn |
2854‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
970 |
11-Mar-46 |
2855‡4 |
Wdn |
5716 |
Wdn |
2856‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
971 |
26-Feb-46 |
2857‡4 |
Wdn |
5717 |
Wdn |
2858‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
972 |
5-Mar-46 |
2859‡4 |
Wdn |
5718 |
Wdn |
2860‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
973 |
11-Mar-46 |
2861‡4 |
984 |
5719 |
967 |
2862‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Aug-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Disb |
c.Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
974 |
27-Mar-46 |
2863‡4 |
Wdn |
5720 |
Wdn |
2864‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Disb. |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
975 |
31-Dec-45 |
2865‡4 |
Wdn |
5721 |
Wdn |
2866‡4 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
976 |
20-Mar-46 |
2867‡5 |
Wdn |
5722 |
Wdn |
2868‡5 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Oct-62 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed# |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed# |
Jun-64 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdn |
Jun-67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
977 |
19-Jan-46 |
2869‡5 |
Wdn |
5723 |
Wdn |
2870‡5 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
978 |
8-Apr-46 |
2871‡6 |
Wdn |
5724 |
Wdn |
2872‡6 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
979 |
15-Feb-46 |
2873‡6 |
Wdn |
5725 |
Wdn |
2874‡6 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdn |
by Dec-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
980 |
12-Apr-46 |
2875‡7 |
Wdn |
5726 |
Wdn |
2876‡7 |
Wdn |
|
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 |
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 |
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 |
BSK |
2849 |
967 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(CK) |
(5719) |
(973) |
(Jun-64) |
(2316 (B) |
|
|
BSK |
2850 |
967 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
|
967 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2866 |
975 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
|
976 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
BSK |
2869 |
977 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
SK |
---- |
---- |
Jun-63 |
---- |
|
|
CK |
5723 |
977 |
New |
2316 (B) |
|
|
BSK |
2870 |
977 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
|
978 (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 |
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 |
BSK |
2875 |
980 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
SK |
1803 ‡49 |
|
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1804 ‡50 |
|
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
CK |
5874 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2318 (B) |
|
|
CK |
5726 |
980 |
New |
2316 (B) |
|
|
SK |
1805 ‡51 |
|
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1808 ‡52 |
|
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2876 |
980 |
New |
2121 (B) |
|
|
980 |
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 |
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 |
|
Note1 |
964 |
Set
964 possibly OOU Oct-64 to Feb-65 |
|
Note2 |
967 |
Set
967 CK 5711 withdrawn Dec-63 but not replaced with 59’ 5719 (ex.
disb.973) until Jun-64. |
|
Note3 |
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, 29th 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. 3rd class seats with a
slightly smaller brake van) whilst the CK coaches (nos. 5727 to 5730) had an
additional third-class compartment (24 no. 1st /32 no. 3rd
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 |
Formed
/Reform. |
BTK |
BTK |
CK |
CK (as
SK) |
BTK |
BTK |
|
981 |
14-Jun-46 |
2877 |
Wdn |
5727 |
981 |
2878 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-62 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
5884 |
|
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
Jun-64 |
" |
" |
" |
|
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
Feb-65 |
" |
" |
" |
|
" |
" |
|
Wdl |
c.Jun-67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
982 |
23-Jun-46 |
2879 |
Wdn |
5728 |
964 |
2880 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-62 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
May-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Wdl |
c.Sep-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
983 |
4-Jul-46 |
2881 |
Wdn |
5729 |
980 |
2882 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-62 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Disb |
c.Sep-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2883 |
Wdn |
5730 |
984 |
2884 |
Wdn |
|
Strengthened |
Jun-62 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
Jun-63 |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
" |
|
Reformed |
Jun-64 |
2861 |
|
5897 |
|
" |
" |
|
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, 8th 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 |
Set |
Date |
SK |
Set |
Date |
|
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, 8th 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 |
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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1890 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2008 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2878 |
981 |
14-Jun-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
981 |
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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1890 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2008 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2878 |
981 |
14-Jun-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
981 |
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 |
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 |
BSK |
2879 |
982 |
23-Jun-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
SK |
1829 |
269 |
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1864 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2008 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2880 |
982 |
23-Jun-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
982 |
BSK |
2879 |
982 |
23-Jun-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
SK |
1829 ‡86 |
269 |
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1864 ‡91 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2008 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2880 |
982 |
23-Jun-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
983 |
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 |
BSK |
2881 |
983 |
4-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
SK |
1824 ‡94 |
960 |
Jun-63 |
2001Ϯ (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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2882 |
983 |
4-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
984 |
BSK |
2883 |
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
SK |
1888 ‡99 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2008 (M) |
|
|
SK |
1810 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
CK |
5730 |
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2317 (B) |
|
|
CK |
5872 |
Loose |
Jun-62 |
2318 (B) |
|
|
SK |
1835 |
204 |
Jun-62 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1857 ‡100 |
803 |
Jun-62 |
2008 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2884 |
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
984 |
BSK |
2883 ‡101 |
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
SK |
1810 ‡102 |
Loose |
Jun-63 |
2001Ϯ (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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1917 |
Loose |
Jun-63 |
2011 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2884 |
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
984 |
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 |
2001Ϯ (M) |
|
|
SK |
1917 ‡107 |
Loose |
Jun-63 |
2011 (M) |
|
|
BSK |
2884 |
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
2122 (B) |
|
|
984 |
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,
5th September 1960) © A.E. West (Mike King Collection) |
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 1st /3rd numbering
usually remained in place on SR malachite liveried coaches (by this time only
select boat trains conveyed 2nd class passengers) until 2nd class was abolished on Sunday 3rd
June 1956 (after when 3rd class was renamed 2nd 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’ |
Outshopped CLC |
Outshopped |
|
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 |
22-Jan-59 |
|
981 |
14-Jun-46 |
27-Jul-55 |
15-May-58 |
|
982 |
23-Jun-46 |
15-Apr-55 |
10-Jul-57 |
|
983 |
4-Jul-46 |
19-Jun-56 |
5-Jun-58 |
|
984 |
25-Jul-46 |
16-Aug-54 |
19-Sep-59 |
|
Notes |
|
|
+
No.2872 |

|
Two coaches of set 978 at Havant (circa 1959) with A1X
‘Terrier’ 32646 (CK being 5724 and the BSK probably 2872) © Dr T. Gough (Mike King Collection) |
Multidoor Stock Deployment
Set 978
Set 978 was used on the Hayling Island branch between 1959 and
1962 albeit as a 2-Cor set often sandwiched between two loose Mk1 non-corridor
seconds; the other BSK (from set 978) being employed as a Loose coach.
Originally built for mainline services from Waterloo to the West
of England, when the later Bulleid stock was introduced the
‘multidoor’ stock did compare slightly unfavourably so were
deployed on Waterloo – Basingstoke - Salisbury and Waterloo –
Bournemouth – Weymouth services.
1955
Subsequently these ‘multidoor’ sets were shewn as
allocated Waterloo – West of England, Waterloo – Basingstoke
– Salisbury and Waterloo – Weymouth workings (for example 1955
Carriage Working Notice):
|
Set Nos. |
1955
Working |
Type |
|
963. 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969,
970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983 &
984 |
1955 ‘M’ notes Waterloo – Bournemouth –
Weymouth etc. Waterloo – Basingstoke –
Salisbury Waterloo – West of England |
3-car |
1957
Into 1957 (and through to 1960) all these ‘multidoor’
sets were simply allocated to Waterloo – West of England and Waterloo
– Weymouth workings with Waterloo – Basingstoke – Salisbury
workings not being separately shewn in the Carriage Working Notices:
|
Set Nos. |
1957 -
1960 Workings |
Type |
|
963. 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969,
970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983 &
984 |
1957 - `1960 ‘L’ notes Waterloo – West of England Waterloo – Bournemouth –
Weymouth |
3-car |
1961
However, by 1961 ten of these sets (963 to 972) were deployed to
S&D duties with another seven sets were allocated to the Oxted lines,
Brighton – Horsham and Reading – Tonbridge services (it is
understood that these three-car ‘multidoor’ sets did not venture
east of Tonbridge).
The 1961 Carriage Working Notice disposition was as follows:
|
Set Nos. |
1961
Working |
Type |
|
963. 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969,
970, 971, 972 |
1961 ‘SD’ notes Bournemouth West – Bath |
3-car |
|
973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979 |
1961 ‘T’ notes London – East Grinstead –
Forest Row – Tunbridge Wells West – Brighton – Eastbourne. Reading South – Redhill –
Tonbridge. Brighton – Horsham. |
3-car |
|
980, 981, 982, 983 & 984 |
1961 ‘L’ notes Waterloo – West of England |
3-car |
From 1959 to 1962 set no. 978 was used on the Hayling Island
branch reduced to a two-set (BSK + CK) often sandwiched between two loose Mk1
seconds. As an aside the driving brake second of pull-push set no.619 was also
seen with two Mk1 seconds operating on the branch (possibly in 1963) albeit not
in pull-push mode.
In June 1962 set nos. 980 (and 64’ multidoor sets 981,
982, 983 and 984) was strengthened to eight cars (using both Bulleid and
Maunsell vehicles). Set nos. 973, 978 and 979 were similarly strengthened
in 1963 (Eastleigh Works’ records shew date for set no. 973 as being
13th August 1963); some of these being allocated to
inter-regional workings. Set nos. 974, 975 and 976 were strengthened to six
cars using Maunsell corridor seconds.
1963
The 7th June 1963 Carriage Working Notice disposition
was as follows:
|
Set Nos. |
1963
Working |
Type |
|
963. 964, 965, 966, 967, |
1963 ‘SD’ notes Bournemouth West – Bath |
3-car |
|
973 |
1963 ‘J’ notes Waterloo – Salisbury Waterloo – Bournemouth –
Weymouth Through services to other Regions |
8-car |
|
974, 975 |
1963 ‘G’ notes Margate - Wolverhampton |
6-car |
|
976 |
1963 ‘G’ notes Eastbourne /Hastings –
Birmingham |
6-car |
|
977 |
1963 ‘S’ notes Eastbourne /Hastings –
Birmingham |
4-car |
|
978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983 & 984 |
1963 ‘J’ notes Waterloo – Salisbury Waterloo – Bournemouth –
Weymouth Through services to other Regions |
8-car |

|
Corridor side of 59’ CK no.5712 from set 977 at
Templecombe. Note the horizontal ‘repair’ beading
added to the body panels. (Sunday, 18th August 1963) © A.E. West (Mike King Collection) |
Multidoor Withdrawals
Following the December 1963 and 1965 withdrawals, some twenty
Bulleid ‘multidoor’ coaches survived as ‘Loose’ into
1967; the CK coaches having been downgraded to SK. Only BSK no.2850 survived at
Horsham (Chipman Weed Killing Train) but this was scrapped in 1991 (at the
Mid-Hants railway) understood to be as a consequence of severe corrosion.
Summary of withdrawals as follows:
|
Original |
BSK |
BSK |
Wdn |
CK |
CK |
Wdn |
BSK |
BSK |
Wdn |
|
963 |
2841 |
Dec-63 |
963 |
5709 |
Dec-63 |
963 |
2842 |
Dec-63 |
963 |
|
964 |
2843 |
Nov-66 |
964 |
5710 |
Aug-67 |
Loose |
2844 |
Aug-67 |
964 |
|
965 |
2845 |
Dec-63 |
965 |
5711 |
Dec-63 |
965 |
2846 |
Dec-63 |
965 |
|
966 |
2847 |
Dec-63 |
966 |
5712 |
Dec-63 |
966 |
2848 |
Dec-63 |
966 |
|
967 |
2849 |
Oct-67 |
Loose |
5713 |
Dec-63 |
967 |
2850 |
Nov-65 |
967 |
|
968 |
2851 |
Jul-67 |
Loose |
5714 |
Aug-67 |
Loose |
2852 |
Dec-67 |
Loose |
|
969 |
2853 |
Dec-63 |
969 |
5715 |
Dec-63 |
969 |
2854 |
Dec-63 |
969 |
|
970 |
2855 |
Dec-63 |
970 |
5716 |
Dec-63 |
970 |
2856 |
Dec-63 |
970 |
|
971 |
2857 |
Dec-63 |
971 |
5717 |
Dec-63 |
971 |
2858 |
Dec-63 |
971 |
|
972 |
2859 |
Dec-63 |
972 |
5718 |
Dec-63 |
972 |
2860 |
Dec-63 |
972 |
|
973 |
2861 |
Jun-64 |
984 |
5719 |
Jul-67 |
967 |
2862 |
Dec-63 |
973 |
|
974 |
2863 |
Dec-63 |
974 |
5720 |
Dec-63 |
974 |
2864 |
Dec-63 |
974 |
|
975 |
2865 |
Dec-63 |
975 |
5721 |
Dec-63 |
975 |
2866 |
Dec-63 |
975 |
|
976 |
2867 |
Jul-67 |
Loose |
5722 |
Jan-68 |
Loose |
2868 |
Sep-67 |
Loose |
|
977 |
2869 |
Dec-63 |
977 |
5723 |
Dec-63 |
977 |
2870 |
Dec-63 |
977 |
|
978 |
2871 |
Dec-63 |
978 |
5724 |
Dec-63 |
978 |
2872 |
Dec-63 |
978 |
|
979 |
2873 |
Dec-63 |
979 |
5725 |
Dec-63 |
979 |
2874 |
Dec-63 |
979 |
|
980 |
2875 |
Jul-67 |
Loose |
5726 |
Dec-63 |
980 |
2876 |
Jul-66 |
Loose |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Original |
Coach No. |
Coach Wdn |
Wdn |
Coach No. |
Coach Renum. |
New |
Coach No. |
Coach Wdn |
Wdn |
|
981 |
2877 |
Aug-67 |
Loose |
5727 |
Sep-64 |
1727 |
2878 |
Jul-67 |
Loose |
|
982 |
2879 |
Dec-63 |
982 |
5728 |
Sep-64 |
1728 |
2880 |
Dec-63 |
982 |
|
983 |
2881 |
Dec-63 |
983 |
5729 |
Aug-64 |
1729 |
2882 |
Dec-63 |
983 |
|
984 |
2883 |
Dec-63 |
984 |
5730 |
Apr 64 |
1730 |
2884 |
Oct-67 |
Loose |
|
New
from Eastleigh Works on 14th March 1946 (in post-War Malachite), set 963 was
outshopped from Lancing Works in CLC livery on 22nd October 1953 thence
appears to have gained BR(S) green on 14th September 1957. Here it is hauled by N-class
31848 in its October 1955 to February 1957 guise (that is without smoke
deflectors). |
Bulleid Multidoor Stock
4mm modelling
Prior to Hornby’s ready-to-run stock Ian Kirk did make
kits of the Bulleid 59’ multidoor stock; these proved popular. Latterly
these kits entered the ‘Colin Ashby’ range before being advertised
by Phoenix Kits (part of Phoenix
Paints) The potential
for modifying these kits to create 64’ multidoor stock has yet to be
explored.
BSL produced kits for both the Bulleid 59’ and 64’
‘multidoor’ stock; the Southern Railways Group taking these into their Phoenix range.
Current availability is unclear.

SR ‘Malachite’ no.5719 (corridor side)
© Ewhurst Green

SR ‘Malachite’ no.5719 (compartment side)
© Ewhurst Green

BR(S) Green No. S2859S (corridor side)
© Ewhurst Green

BR(S) Green No. S2859S (compartment side)
© Ewhurst Green
Models supplied by Morris Models
Hornby’s Model (2019)
Hornby
initial 2019 release of 59’ multidoor stock was four-number three-coach sets. Sold as individual
coaches, these arrived in model shops as two batches (June and July 2019) with
a number of retailers incorrectly describing these as Bulleid
‘Suburban’ coaches – presumably down to their
‘multidoor’ appearance.
In
terms of the model, Hornby have (correctly) modelled the curved glass used in
these coaches (the door droplights /toplights were
flat glass). British Railways drew much inspiration from the Bulleid stock but
opted to use flat glass in its designs. The glazing has also been correctly
fitted with No Smoking
signage (triangular red on white triangle) in the side-lights and
one-piece opaque side-lights for the toilet compartments. Hornby has also made an excellent job of the roof-top
periscope detail.
Hornby
has also included both the original & later type of Guard’s handrails
and on BR(S) sets, the reinforcement beading (covering up the butt-joints)
added to the coach sides at waist level and vertically on the brake van sides.
On the underframes the later-type brake Vee-hanger (with the two vacuum
cylinders replacing a larger single cylinder) mounted outside of the
truss-rodding is modelled (the single vacuum brake Vee-hanger was mounted
behind); this modification being undertaken on Bulleid coaches during the
nineteen-fifties. Unfortunately, this modification does not show up on the
works record cards so BloodandCustard currently cannot confirm any precise
modification dates for these coaches.

|
In placing the two Hornby multidoor coaches together any
different between the BR(S) green and SR ‘Malachite’ green
isn’t really discernible. |
Factory-fitted
with tension locks, the model coaches come with Hornby’s
‘Roco-style’ coupling; ostensibly for use within the sets
Hornby’s ‘Roco-style’ coupling being some 2mm longer than Roco’s own coupler. Alternatively, Kadee™ buckeye couplers (no.18)
work well. If needed (and like Hornby’s Maunsell coaches) the set’s
intermediate buffers should be easy to retract using 40” square
plasticard.
In
terms of differences between Kadee™ buckeye couplers and Roco-types, the buckeyes can be easily lifted off the track
(unless pairs of Keen or Modeller’s Mecca corridor connections (cat. No. LS-24) are
being utilised – usually only one is needed) and these do mirror the
buckeye coaches of the real coaches. However, the Kadee™ buckeye couplers
introduce ‘slack’ whereas Roco-types give a firm ‘rigid’ coupling. The Roco-types aren’t so easily parted although this
isn’t so much of an issue if the coaching sets are remaining on the
layout.
Inside
the coaches seating has been painted by Hornby ready for adding passengers (if
required). Preiser Seated People
(cat. no.16328 – pack 120 figures unpainted) work well, for the underscale ‘H0’ size fit comfortably within the
slightly overscale interiors and don’t look out of place.
Other
work includes touching in the butterflies in red along with starting to add
fittings such as dynamo belts and grime!

An unlikely combination on Ewhurst
Green of H-class tank 31265
hauling Bulleid 3-set 968 with SR-liveried CK no.5719 from set 973.
Hornby’s range offered the following 59’
ready-to-run coaching sets:
|
Set No. |
Notes. |
|
965 |
Corridor
brake 3rd (BTK)
nos.2845 & 2846 outshopped Eastleigh 1st December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5711 outshopped Eastleigh 5th March 1946. Period of Hornby model March 1946 to March 1956 In 1961 this 3-car set was one of ten allocated to
S&D services with set disbanded in December 1963. |
|
967 |
Corridor
brake 3rd (BTK)
nos.2849 & 2850 outshopped Eastleigh 15th December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5713 outshopped Eastleigh 26th December 1945. Period of Hornby model March 1955 to August 1959 |
|
968 |
Corridor
brake 3rd (BTK)
nos.2851 & 2852 outshopped Eastleigh 15th December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5714 outshopped Eastleigh 15th February 1946. Period of Hornby model July
1957 to March 1963 In 1961 this 3-car set was one of ten allocated to S&D
services. Reformed into an 8-car set in March 1963. |
|
972 |
Corridor
brake 3rd (BTK)
nos.2859 & 2860 outshopped Eastleigh 18th December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5718 outshopped Eastleigh 15th February 1946 with
set formed 5th March 1946. Period of Hornby model February
1958 to December 1963 In 1961 this 3-car set was one of ten allocated to S&D
services. Disbanded in December 1963. |
|
973 |
Corridor
brake 3rd (BTK)
nos.2861 & 2862 outshopped Eastleigh 31st December 1945; Corridor composite (CK) no.5710 outshopped Eastleigh 11th March 1946. Period of Hornby model March 1946 to August 1955 In 1961 this 3-car set was one of seven allocated to
the Oxted lines /Brighton – Horsham /Reading – Tonbridge
services. Reformed into an 8-car set in August 1963. |
Hornby models released to-date (i.e. by
mid-July 2019).
|
Set |
Coach |
Diag. |
Coach |
Hornby’s
advertised |
Outshopped
CLC |
Outshopped
|
Cat. |
|
965 |
2845 |
2121 |
BTK |
SR ‘Malachite’ green |
16th March 1956 |
24th June 1958 |
R4884 #1 |
|
965 |
5711 |
2316 |
CK |
SR ‘Malachite’ green |
16th March 1956 |
24th June 1958 |
R4882 #1 |
|
965 |
2846 |
2121 |
BTK |
SR ‘Malachite’ green |
16th March 1956 |
24th June 1958 |
R4884A #1 |
|
967 |
S2849S |
2121 |
BSK |
BR(s) green |
23rd March 1955 |
31st August 1959 |
R4888D #2 |
|
967 |
S5713S |
2316 |
CK |
BR(s) green |
23rd March 1955 |
31st August 1959 |
R4886B #2 |
|
967 |
S2850S |
2121 |
BSK |
BR(s) green |
23rd March 1955 |
31st August 1959 |
R4888E #2 |
|
968 |
S2851S |
2121 |
BSK |
BR(s) green |
11th December 1953 |
22nd July 1957 |
R4888 #1 |
|
968 |
S5714S |
2316 |
CK |
BR(s) green |
11th December 1953 |
22nd July 1957 |
R4886 #1 |
|
968 |
S2852S |
2121 |
BSK |
BR(s) green |
11th December 1953 |
22nd July 1957 |
R4888A #1 |
|
972 |
S2859S |
2121 |
BTK |
BR(s) green |
27th July 1953 |
27th February 1958 |
R4888B #1 |
|
972 |
S5718S |
2316 |
CK |
BR(s) green |
27th July 1953 |
27th February 1958 |
R4886A #1 |
|
972 |
S2860S |
2121 |
BTK |
BR(s) green |
27th July 1953 |
27th February 1958 |
R4888C #1 |
|
973 |
2861 |
2121 |
BSK |
SR ‘Malachite’ green |
29th August 1955 |
27th November 1957 |
R4884B #1 |
|
973 |
5719 |
2316 |
CK |
SR ‘Malachite’ green |
29th August 1955 |
27th November 1957 |
R4882A #1 |
|
973 |
2862 |
2121 |
BSK |
SR ‘Malachite’ green |
29th August 1955 |
27th November 1957 |
R4884C #1 |
|
Notes |
Model
Year |
|
#1 |
2019 |
|
#2 |
2021 |
Finally, robust coverage on these model coaches has been undertaken by Graham Muzpratt.

|
Hornby’s
59’ multidoor BTK (from set no. 968) compared to Bachmann 64’ BTK
(from set 865) seen here on Ewhurst Green. In model terms the latter was introduced in 1993. However, with
super-detailing such as cast roof vents, flush-glazing, footboards, finescale
wheels, new couplings, interior detailing (and so forth) still provide for a
very credible model. |
Recommended
Reading
|
Recommended reading is as
follows: |
|
The
Illustrated History of Southern Coaches |
|
Southern
Coaches Survey – Pre-grouping and BR MK1 Stock |
|
Maunsell’s
SR Steam Carriage Stock |
|
Bullied’s SR Steam Carriage Stock |
|
Lancing
1956 |
|
Southern Coaches in Colour |
|
Prepared by C. Watts with much
thanks to the late Glen Woods, historical author Mike King (including
permission to use photographs from his collection) and the work of David
Gould. Copyright C. Watts & Photographs as stated. June 2019 (updated 2022) |