59603 Class 127 Trailer Composite Lavatory

Home Railway

Chasewater Railway

Location History

Chasewater Railway Apr 94-Present

Current Location

Chasewater Railway

Current Status

Operational (Hauled Stock)

Current Livery

Non Standard Maroon

TRA Designation

3

Partner Vehicle(s)

59444

Owner

Website

None

Record Last Updated

16 April 2023

Preservation Modifications
Some non standard tables are fitted into the seating bays.

Preservation Information
59603 was preserved on the Chasewater Railway in 1994, to act as a locomotive hauled vehicle. For this reason, the vehicle has never been “in the limelight” and its history is therefore quite illusive. Being a relatively short line, the ability of 59603’s many doors to load and unload passengers very quickly was much appreciated by the railway.

The vehicle was not however initially fit for traffic, so a restoration programme was started in the mid 1990's.

During the early 2000's the vehicle was painted into a non standard carmine & cream livery to suit its role as a hauled coach. Work was also progressing on the interior of the coach.

By 2009, the overhaul was coming to a close. The vehicle had by now received a brake & bogie overhaul and the heaters had been replaced with a modern system. 59603 was also painted into maroon livery to match Class 116 TC 59444 which 59603 was paired with upon its return to traffic.

Around 2017/2018 the vehicle was repainted again, retaining its maroon colour scheme.

59603 continues in passenger service being hauled by a variety of (normally industrial) vacuum braked steam and diesel locomotives.

Future Plans
To maintain in service as a hauled coach.

M59603 stabled at Brownhills West, 9/4/23. Ken Jones

M59603 recently repainted, 25/3/18. Ian Dobson

59603 in service at the Chasewater Railway, 15/6/08. David Beardmore

59603 taken during the TRA annual DMU day, Chasewater Railway, 12/7/03. Steve Hodgson

59603 seen on the Chasewater Railway, 2/2/99. Stuart Mackay

59603's interior, taken during the TRA annual DMU day, Chasewater Railway, 12/7/03. Paul Moxon