The underframe laid out for final assembly.

Built in at Lancing Works in 1922 on an underframe dating from 1905, 4168 was transferred to the Isle of Wight in 1938. By the end of steam 4168 was regarded as a spare coach and was part of the final British Railways steam-hauled service on 31st December 1966. After preservation 4168 was, for many years, the only serviceable brake coach on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and was formed into every passenger train. Severe underframe corrosion led to it's withdrawal from service in 1990, it has been stored unserviceable ever since. The coach body, temporarily mounted on an ex LSWR 'Ironclad' underframe, has already been in the C&W Workshop for two extensive sessions of bodywork repair during 2006 and 2007. Work still to be completed includes the finishing of bodywork followed by repainting, refurbishment of compartment interiors, renewal of upholstery and the fitting out of the rebuilt underframe once it arrives at Havenstreet.

The headstocks await final fitting.

For more information on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's unique fleet of historic rolling stock visit the Carriage & Wagon pages. Keep updated on the Mechanical Engineering Department's progress on locomotive and rolling stock repair, maintenance and restoration by visiting Mechanical Engineering News.

4168's body receives major attention in the C&W Workshop, September 2007.