Back in 2020, the North Staffordshire Railway Company acquired more coaches to support the planned Churnet Valley Railway services into Leek.
 
Whilst the first national lockdown halted the railway, the project was still a success, and fast forward to the early summer, volunteers and staff from Batt Holden Ltd. were ready to make progress on TSO E3809.
 
The plan was to have the coach ready for the Santa Trains, but sadly, time just ran out due to the changing restrictions.
 
Currently, staff are semi-furloughed so progress is limited, but efforts are continuing to make sure the coach is ready for service in 2021.
 
Work has mainly focussed on the so-called south end which is the worst affected end having been set outside for a number of years.
 
When the outer skin was removed, it was clear to workers that a repair had previously been carried out.
 
Instead of a full repair, plates had been covering the damaged sections which meant water was able to collect behind the plate work and more corrosion occurred.
 
This corrosion meant that the team were required to replace the side panel, framework, and three roof sections.
 
The inner crash repairs have meant that the bottom section has been replaced as well as a full floor replacement.
 
Both buffers and housings have been overhauled whilst the corridor connection guide went through a full overhaul.
 
More updates will be released soon, with the plan still to have the coach in service in 2021.
 
If you want to support the coach appeal, the NSRC is still £1,500 short of the cost to purchase E3809 and two other coaches.
 
If you want to donate, please visit their Total Giving page.
 
Michael Holden.