GWR 9005 was built in 1937 at the Swindon works, designed to appeal to the nouveau riche who were expecting opulence and speed in their forms of travel, partly as the result of the increase in volume and swiftness of the transatlantic liners. In an attempt to make the carriages more appealing to the ocean liner companies (and because of competition from the Pullman coaches), the design team at GWR decided to use their original broad gauge so as to enhance the size, enabling them to develop carriages to their own dimensions.

It also made them available to Southern Railway but limited their use on the remainder of GWR’s network. Each of the carriages was outfitted in French-polished light walnut with free standing (though very heavy, to avoid movement during transit) wing-backed chairs. GWR 9005 has two seating areas – one equipped with first class seating, and the other being an observation saloon, enabling the carriage to be employed for inspection train use.

This coach number 9005 was an adapted special saloon carriage and, as a result, was not given a royal title as the original eight had been.

Photos by: David Babaian