Below: A reminder of a previous restoration, being undertaken in 1974 at Shildon Wagon Works. The coach body had been stored at Clay Cross as part of the BTC Collection and was due to be broken up when Frank Atkinson stepped in to take it on loan for Beamish.

Below: With the incentive of the S&DR 150th anniversary in 1975 the coach was restored and later returned to Beamish where it was used at Rowley Station until the NER Composite was restored. It is seen here with the J21 – rather overpowered for such a short train!

Below: So, to the present. These views show the side frame pieces being installed. A lot of new material has had to be incorporated in these sections, which are being done piecemeal to avoid removal of the roof (which is by and large in good condition). As can be seen, some quite complex joints are required to accept the profile of the timber sections. This does give a very good idea of the high quality of work being undertaken however, work that should ensure the longevity of the coach and which, with careful recording, adds to the historical knowledge of this vehicle. Timber sections that have been replaced are not wasted, and can often be incorporated elsewhere on shorter, thinner or narrower components.

Below: This view shows how far out of alignment some sections are! The new piece of timber to the right is true-vertical!