View source for LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921

{{Infobox maroon carriage
|image      = LMS_26921_20210423.jpg
|caption    = LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921 in April 2020
|construc   = BR Wolverton
|status     = Under overhaul
|carno      = 26921
|othernos   = W26921M
|designed   = Stanier
|diagram    = 2161
|lot        = 1506
|cartype    = [[:Category:BR Carriage classification codes#LMS Codes|CH]], [[:Category: Carriage Type BTK|BTK]]
|length     = 57ft
|weight     = 30T
|seats      = 24 third 
|built      = 1951
|years1     = 1968
|events1    = Arrived on SVR
|years2     = 1980
|events2    = Attended Rocket 150 at Rainhill
|years3     = 
|events3    = 
|years4     = 
|events4    = 
|years5     = 
|events5    = 
|years6     = 
|events6    = 
}}'''LMS Brake Third Corridor (BTK) 26921''' is an example of the port-hole stock designed by Stanier before the War but implemented by his successors C E Fairburn and H G Ivatt. 

==Service==
26921 was built in 1951 by BR at Wolverton as lot number 1506 to diagram number 2161.<ref>[[Bibliography#Other References|Jenkinson & Essery (1977)]] p. 110.</ref>  Unlike the [[LMS 24617 Corridor Composite | Corridor Composite]] version, the Brake Third Corridor continued the use of timber framing with steel top, bottom and corner members.  The livery when new in service was BR Crimson and Cream. In BR service the carriage was renumbered W26921M, indicating that it was allocated to the BR(W) region<ref>[[Bibliography#Other References|Longworth (2019)]] p.310.</ref>. 

==Preservation==
26921 arrived on the SVR from Didcot on 28 August 1968 with several other vehicles, having been acquired by [[Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC | SVR(H)]]. It entered service in 1968, and the external steel panels were all renewed in 1979, though not fully welded together.<ref name=bloct21>[https://www.svrlive.com/bloct21 Branch Lines, October 2021]</ref> It was one of three SVR coaches which took part in the Cavalcades at the [[Rocket 150]] celebrations at Rainhill in [[Severn Valley Railway Timeline 1980-1989#1980 | May 1980]].  
<gallery mode=packed heights=200px style="text-align:left">
File:BBC Rainhill 6201 with 26921.jpg|Rainhill 1980: 26921 in the Cavalcade behind LMS 6201 ''Princess Elizabeth'' and the [[National Railway Museum | NRM's]] LMS carriage 14241
</gallery>

SVR service continued until 1984 when 26921 suffered damage to a bogie due to steel left on the track by vandals<ref>Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey</ref>.  

===Overhaul from 2015===
Long-term outdoor storage, vandalism and theft of parts meant 26921 was in poor condition. In spring 2015 the decision was taken that it would become the [[L.M.S. & B.R. Coach Department Sales Coach]] in [[Bridgnorth|Bridgnorth cattle dock]]. Much work was required, beginning with repairs to the roof to make it water-tight. The window glasses were re-bedded and broken glass replaced. The body sides were stripped, rust-treated and painted in maroon undercoat. The four passenger doors had substantial repairs or replacement, using components from two porthole brakes, [[Carriages formerly resident on the SVR|26668 and 27023]], which were broken up for spares in the 1970s. Four pairs of compartment door locks and handles were missing, so patterns were made by the MPD pattern shop volunteers to have castings made.<ref name=blfeb23>[https://www.svrlive.com/blfeb23 Branch Lines, February 2023]</ref> Maroon top coat was applied later in 2015.<ref>SVR News 189, 192</ref> 

The picture below shows 26921 in March 2016, unlined and un-numbered.
<gallery mode=packed heights=200px style="text-align:left">
LMS_26921_20150307.jpg |LMS Brake Third Corridor 26921 in March 2016
</gallery>

Despite being halted by [[2020 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic|lockdown]], work continued in 2021. 

The external steel panels renewed in 1979 saw all seams ground out and seam-welded.<ref name=bloct21/> The old body end panels have been replaced with galvanised steel.<ref name=blfeb23/> At the passenger compartments end the coach end and gangway tunnel were rebuilt, and heavy corrosion around the doorways dealt with by renewal of steel pillars.<ref name=bloct21/> 

It required a new floor throughout, as the corrugated iron subfloor had corroded. A new steel tray was installed in the lavatory for terrazzo specialists to create the marble-chip surface.<ref name=bloct21/> The lavatory compartment was refitted, with the new terrazzo floor cast in situ, and missing components for the complex LMS plumbing found or made at [[Carriage Repair Works#Kidderminster_Carriage_Repair_Works|Kidderminster Carriage Repair Works]].<ref name=blfeb23/>

The window frames were reconstructed early in 2022, replacing corroded pieces with aluminium plate salvaged from the old body end panels.<ref name=blfeb23/> The aluminium sliding window units were rebuilt because of corroded backing plates and the drainage system renovated to make it more effective.<ref name=bloct21/> 

The vestibule was re-equipped with new veneered plywood sheets and the original corridor and compartment panels removed for restoration. Having never had its interior redecorated in all its years on the SVR, extensive cleaning was also required. Once watertight, work focused on re-wiring the restored north end of the carriage. Ceiling panels were made, fitted, and painted, along with the restored veneer panels.  
Early in 2023 a start was also made on roof and gutter repairs on the southern half.<ref name=blfeb23/> 

The second stage of this project would involve rebuilding the luggage area into a wheelchair, lavatory and open saloon format.<ref name=bloct21/> Volunteers at Kidderminster also rebuilt four sets of brass sliding windows to be used in this phase of the project.<ref name=blfeb23/> With the remodelling of the compartment-side bodywork completed, 26921 made the journey to Kidderminster in early 2024 to be turned on the [[Kidderminster Turntable|turntable]]. The overhaul is being carried out by Bridgnorth volunteers with funding assistance from the [[Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust Ltd|SVR Charitable Trust]].<ref>Branch Lines, February 2024</ref>  

At the start of 2023 [[LNWR 76738 (fictitious) 4-Wheel Tranship Van]] replaced 26921 as the L.M.S. & B.R. Coach Department Sales Coach.

==See also==
[[Carriages| List of carriages]]<br>
[[Rolling stock currently under restoration]]
 
==References==
Railway Heritage Register Carriage Survey<br>
SVR Stock Book Eighth Edition
<references />

==Links==
*[http://www.cs.rhrp.org.uk/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=719 LMS 26921 on Railway Heritage Register On-Line]

{{CarriageNavbox}}

[[Category: Carriage Type BTK]]
[[Category:Rolling stock, other than locomotives, at Bridgnorth]]
[[Category: Rolling stock owned by SVR(H)]]
[[Category: Wheelchair-accessible adapted carriages]]