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London, Brighton & South Coast Railway 328
Stroudley 4w Third (built in 1890)

Richard Salmon

Type: 4-wheeled Third (Diagram 33 and 44/145)
Built: 1890
Number: 328
Seating: 50 3rd class
Length: 26'
Weight: Original: 8 Tons 10 cwt
To Bluebell: 13/10/2000
Owner: Bluebell Railway Trust

This is an unusual Stroudley carriage, in that, having been built just after Stroudley died, it is a late vehicle and incorporates some design features which are normally associated with Billington carriages, such as the external quarter-light (window) frames.

This coach body was recovered on 13th October 2000 from within a domestic dwelling where it had been since the early years of the 20th century. It was the type of coach body we have been looking for for some years. Together with our Stroudley First, No.661 and the two brakes No.676 and No.949, and the more recently acquired Third No.992, it will help us to form a complete LBSCR train dating from the same period as our two Terriers, also designed by William Stroudley.

A suitable Southern Railway van underframe was obtained, and has been shortened to carry this body. Restoration work commenced in 2010, but it could be at least a decade before we see a complete Stroudley train with a Stroudley engine, which will then form the oldest standard-gauge train in the country.