GWR Corridor Brake Composite No 7377
7377 was actually built by British Railways Western Region, not long after nationalisation, but it is a 100% Great Western vehicle. Official records state that it was completed on 25th December 1948! It was one of the last coaches built to a Great Western design and was one of 17 built to this design. Along with No. 7372, 7377 formed part of the Western Region’s Royal train from 1948 onwards and is a rare example of a Swindon Hawksworth interior and is of a much higher standard than was usual at the time. It was used for conveying equerries and senior railway officials accompanying the Royal party. The first class is finished in flame maple veneer with aluminium fittings, while the third class is finished in quartered oak veneer with more traditional brass fittings. Interestingly, 7372 has also survived into preservation and is at the Great Western Society at Didcot. 7377 finished its life on BR in the Plymouth area on local services and was withdrawn in 1965 before being purchased for preservation on the Buckfastleigh line.
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