The Epping Ongar Railway will run an additional passenger carriage during its 2023 season, having received it on loan from Torrington Coastal Restorations.

The British Railways Mark 1 carriage, dating from 1958, numbered 35207, is of a type known as a Brake Corridor Second (BSK). It seats 32 passengers in four compartments and will allow the Railway to offer more of the popular ‘compartment’ tickets on certain event days and for its Santa Special and Winter lights trains. It also contains a parcels area and an area for the guard.

The carriage, which is usually based at the Bluebell Railway, will be used on the Railway’s regular services during the year as well as at special events.

However, another vehicle has left the Railway temporarily. Brake Corridor Composite (BCK) number 21059 has departed for completion of its restoration back to serviceable condition. The restoration was started by Epping Ongar’s volunteers, but it will now be completed away from the Railway ration to allow the coach to return to traffic quicker.

Marco Carrara, member of the Railway’s Management Committee said of number 35207: “The loan of the carriage enables the railway to undertake essential maintenance work on some of its own rolling stock more efficiently as stock under repair can remain out of service for longer periods”.