London Chatham & Dover Railway
Horsebox No.1 (built in 1882)

The horsebox, a few days after arrival at Horsted Keynes, 10 November 2007.
The roof extension on each side is a domestic addition, which helped throw
water clear of the side of the body and must have helped preserve its condition.
(Richard Salmon)

This vehicle, still retaining its timber underframe (albeit rather rotten in parts), arrived on the Bluebell on 5th November. Brought to our attention by Bluebell fireman Clive Williams, there followed a couple of years' research and patient negotiation by David Wigley and Tony Clements. With thanks to the Bluebell Railway Trust for funding the transport and paying a share of the cost of a replacement garage, the Bluebell now has plugged that long-felt gap in our rolling stock collection.

It has been covered with a tarpaulin, since overhaul will not be starting for a little while. The body (of teak and red cedar) is in relatively good condition, and remarkably complete, with just one end and the internal partition (separating the groom's compartment from the horses) missing, along with the dog/fodder box which also formed the groom's seat.

Photo right: The interior of the horsebox, as recovered. (Dave Clarke)

LCDR Horsebox No.1 was completed on 12 June 1882, at the LCDR's Longhedge Works. The design (to which 35 were built) dated from 1872. No.1 was renumbered 1002 on 27 July 1898 under the '1897' LCDR renumbering scheme, and later became SECR No.184.