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London Brighton & South Coast Railway No.661 - 6-wheel First (built in 1880)
Richard Salmon

Originally a six-wheeled four-compartment first class coach, designed by William Stroudley, it was rebuilt as a brake second in June 1909, ending up as a brake third before withdrawal in 1924. It was subsequently incorporated into a bungalow at Bracklesham Bay, until this was demolished, the remains of the coach being offered to the Bluebell.

The photo (left) shows it at an early stage in its restoration. It is seen on a temporary "Tube" wagon underframe, with the door pillar moved back from its brake position (when it had double doors) to its original position, and with the remaining structure partially converted back to original form. The brake-end windows are still in place here, but have subsequently been removed.

A suitable (ex-PMV) underframe was obtained and modified to carry it. Restoration to traffic condition has included the conversion of the brake end back to a passenger compartment, as originally built. The coach is in the ownership of the Bluebell Railway Trust, who have funded the costs restoration, with the work being undertaken by a small team of volunteers, led by Sheina and John Foulkes.

Eventually it will be joined by Stroudley Third No.328 and two Stroudley Brake Thirds, and, together with one of our Stroudley Terriers, these will be able to form the oldest standard gauge train in the country.

Note that, at one time, it was erroniously thought to have been carriage No.667, but components on the coach have been discovered marked 661, confirming its identity, and this has also been checked against surviving LBSCR carriage registers in the Public Records Office.