At long last we've got our hands on a set of etches for FR carriage 21, which we'll be doing up to represent the volunteer-built replica which entered traffic a couple of years ago.
This pair of Asbury carriages were rather basic compared to what Victorian passengers had become accustomed to with the 'bowsiders', and although apparently intended for tourist traffic other accounts say they were bought to be nothing more than bogie quarrymans carriages.
Sitting in one of the end compartments of the replica for just a few minutes while it was under construction at Boston Lodge, I soon appreciated how they developed this reputation for not being the most spacious and comfortable carriages, and I know I wasn't alone in wondering quite why some people were so keen to recreate one it its original form?
That was before Covid-19 came along, and suddenly compartment stock roared back into fashion!
Along with the other 'lock ups' 21 has become a mainstay of the FR fleet for the past two seasons and those who built it - while others looked on with a sceptical look - have had the last laugh.
As built there were never any dividers between the compartments, but these were hastily added as a Covid precaution before the start of the 2020 service.
Now it's been handed over to me to make the interior, and I'm wondering whether I should make it with the plywood walls in place as our little miniature memorial to the pandemic?
Yes do it ! I was with the sponsor of the coach last week and as you note part of Cov19 rake - the only coach almost empty rest full to allowed capacity- seat pads are required !! Despite many now carrying own "padding" not to popular.
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