BR Mk1 TSO
3745

3745 was built by BR Doncaster in October 1953 to Diagram 93, in Lot 30043. It was initially allocated to the Midland region - and therefor had an M before its number, 3745. M3745 is an 'open' carriage which means that it has four seats around a table, rather than compartments. It has 64 seats inside which are of the narrow variety. 

M3745 spent almost 11 years allocated to the midland region before then being transferred to the Eastern region in May 1964, at which point it was renumbered E3745. It spent less than a year allocated to the Eastern region before moving on again.

In June 1966 the carriage was transferred from the Eastern Region of BR to the Southern Region, working trains out of Waterloo and down to the south coast of England. Here it was renumbered to S3745. 

In August 1966 the coach visited the Wolverton carriage works to have air braking and electric train heating, and at the same time was repainted into the new British Railways colours of Blue and Grey. The vehicle stayed in these colours for the rest of its BR career, and also stayed in the Southern Region until it was withdrawn. It was noted to have been based at Selhurst Depot in 1983-85 and Clapham Junction in 1987-87. 

3745 was initially kept as a "spare" vehicle to be used as and when needed, but in July 1967 was allocated to set 17 for a year before joining set 68 from May 1969 for 6 years. Being returned to the general pool of coaches in April 1976. Set 68 was called the 8-set "Ocean Liner" set. 

During its time on the Southern Region it was put in the "Air-braked, electric train heated BR1" group, where it was rated for 90mph running. This meant it mostly saw service on the Oxted, Tonbridge-Reading lines, with occasional special workings. In the early 1970s this group of coaches were occasionally used for Newhaven Boat train Services as well.

3745 was then withdrawn from service in September 1987 and stored until it was purchased from a site in London on the 21st November 1988 by one of our members. Eventually being purchased by the AVRHT in July 2008.

It underwent major rebuilding at the toilet end, was converted to vacuum brakes and steam heat by volunteers of the Avon Valley Railway to be able to operate with steam locos. It was initially operated in the dining train named “Ruth” before reverting back to normal passenger carrying service.

If you have any information about this carriage that you would like to add, please email it to: info@avonvalleyrailway.org.