Maunsell coach S 7851 has moved into the new Carriage and Wagon facility at Ropley. For many years it has been largely unseen (but not forgotten) in the Alresfrod headshunt. John Cook however has kept it watertight and it has been used as storage for the many spares that John has acculmulated for 7851 and our two Bulleid coaches. It has taken a good couple of months to transfer what was inside to currently non operational Bulleid S4367!
S 7851 will be the first coach to be restored in the new shed at Ropley. It is basically sound, but as you can see there is a fair amount of work required to be done.
John Wright at Ropley is project managing the restoration and is keen for any assistance (either skilled or non skilled) that can be given. If you pop into Ropley any day Monday to Friday, he will be pleased to see you.
All photos courtesy of Chris Willis.
Chris Le Corney