Cambrian Railways luggage composite livery

[Newport_rod]

I've recently received this appeal, I wonder if anyone can help?

"I am writing on behalf on the Vintage Train Project team at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, where we are currently restoring Cambrian Railways luggage composite carriage number 110 of 1894.

We are now nearing completion of rebuilding the interior: compartment walls, internal doors, toilet compartments and panelling are largely complete, whilst work nears completion on the seat frames, springing, backs and squabs, prior to covering with moquette. On the exterior, mouldings are now being re-fitted, primed and undercoated.

Re-canvassing the roof awaits, until the vehicle is lifted onto the donor underframe, on which we have only just commenced the first stages of overhaul and need to raise substantial funds.

We are keen to complete the exterior painting and varnishing of the carriage body but are struggling to determine the exact details of the lining and window frames and wondered if anyone within your research circle might be able to help us.

We are restoring the carriage to its pre. 1913 livery in bronze green with white upper panels. Christiansen & Miller refer to the lining being gold with black edging, along with a vermillion line for a period. We have several queries as follows:

1. Was the gold band edged on both sides with black? If not, which line colour abutted the white and which abutted the bronze green.

2. Physically, where exactly was the gold line positioned - on the radius or the flat of the mouldings?

3. Where was the vermillion line located?

Note, we attached a photo of GWR livery of the period as applied to GWR 290 under restoration at Didcot: the yellow line is edged with black, whilst the vermilliion lining is separate on the cream panel. Could this be the way the lining was applied by the Cambrian?

4. What colour were the window frames and drop-lights? The Galleries & Museum of Wales had painted the window frames on Cambrian 238 in bronze green. We can find no historical reference for this, only that the frames are dark in appearance on photos. The GWR painted their frames burgundy, whilst some other railways were varnished mahogany. Is there any references for the Cambrian?

5. What moquette was used in first class? Christiansen & Miller refer to blue in the 1860s, which was typical for that period, but not for the 1890s where contemporaries such as the GWR and L&NWR used patterned moquette."

I'll pass on any info to the enquirer

Rod

[Tanat Valley]

This group could try the Cambrian Railways Society in Oswestry where Aston's bogie coach No. 238 is. It is intended for it to go in to the museum, I do not know if this has yet happened. See https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/sub ... h-238.html

Or they could contact the Cambrian Railways Society:
Cambrian Heritage Railways, Old Station Building, Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1RE
01691 728131
info@cambrianrailways.co.uk

Alan

[Joe RLVW]

Hi Rod,

Hope you are well.

I have a copy of “The Liveries of the Pre-Grouping Railways, Volume One, Wales and the West of England”, by Nigel J.L. Digby, published by Lightmoor Press 2017, revised Edition 2024.

It is available on from the publisher, link as below, for £15, (presumably plus P&P).

https://lightmoor.co.uk/BDLpdf_files/Li ... ng2026.pdf

[The book is listed on the 1st page, 2nd column of the catalogue under the title, “Liveries of Pre-Group Railways Vol. 1 Wales & West”]

There are sections on Cambrian Railway (p29-34) and for comparative purposes the GWR liveries (2 sections p35-40, and p41-48).

The book contains the answers to a number of the external livery questions raised. The research appears well done and thorough to me and discusses various issues in some detail. The story isn’t entirely straightforward, and it appears there was a new livery introduced in 1909 (not sure why a reference is made to pre 1913 livery in the enquiry rather than pre 1909). The 1909 livery appears somewhat simplified from what I can see.

Personally I would be inclined to go with the pre 1909 livery given the vintage of the coach.

I am reluctant to post any more details given the book is copyrighted, and is readily available for what seems to me like a modest and reasonable sum. I would however suggest the Railway purchase a copy of the book as a good way forward to get some well researched information to inform their choice of livery.

Hope this helps the Swindon and Cricklade Railway get to a good answer for the best livery for their coach. In case of query please let me know.

Best wishes,

Regards,

Joe RLVW