BR Mk1 TSO
4035
British Railways Mk1 TSO 4035 ‘Margaret’
Train Brake System: Vacuum
Bogie Type: BR1 bogies
Weight: 33 tons
Length: 63ft 6in (approx. 19.3m)
Train Heat: Air conditioning units
Livery: BR Lined Maroon
Seating: Unfixed moveable chairs and tables
Status: in use as indoor seating for the buffet
Vehicle Name / Number(s): 4035 Margaret
Build Year: 1956
Lot Number: 30149
Diagram: 93
Builder: British Railways - Swindon Works
Classification: Tourist Second Open (TSO)
Withdrawn: 1987
Buffet carriage 4035 Margaret was built in 1956 as a TSO carriage with 64 second class seats (similar to our other carriages 3745 and 4058) but has been converted in preservation to provide indoor seating for the buffet.It was purchased by the Swanage Railway in 1989 and stored in Andover until 1991. It was purchased by the AVR Carriage Fund in February 1992, and was moved to Long Marston for further storage until being moved to Bitton in 1996. In its early days, at Bitton, part of the carriage provided seating for Buffet patrons and the other part formed accommodation for the “Bitton Bears,” a large display of teddy bears which proved a great draw for our younger visitors. As the popularity of the Buffet grew, more seating accommodation became essential and the carriage was extensively re-fitted internally with loose seats and tables, re-painted and named “Margaret.” It now provides comfortable static seating for the Buffet alongside 25972 “Rose.” If you have any information about this carriage that you would like to add, please email it to: info@avonvalleyrailway.org.