On Thursday 30th July 2005 the body of an LBSCR Billinton Brake Third was recovered from the Gurnard bungalow into which it had been built and then transported to the IWSR at Havensteet. A full assesment of the condition of the coach will now take place, allowing a detailed plan for it's restoration and return to active service to be formulated.

The carriage was built in December 1896 as LBSCR number 1200. It was allocated SR No.3694 but remumbering had not been carried out before it was selected for transfer to the Isle of Wight, the cross-Solent transfer took place on 27th June 1925. On arrival it was given IW series number 4115 and became part of Set 498. Withdrawn on 3rd October 1931 the body was sold and became a bungalow at Rew Street, Gurnard. The IWSR already owns the body of another carriage numbered 4115, a LCDR bogie brake third which was the very first carriage body rescued by the erstwhile Wight Locomotive Society in June 1975.

LBSCR Brake Third 4115 swings from the crane at Gurnard.

For more details of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's historic collection of carriages and other rolling stock click here

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