Different types of carriages were introduced, designed to be pulled by trains rather than horses. Here we see the development of the 1st class, 2nd class and composite class coaches as well as the occasional luggage.
Stockton in Steam
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
On 15 Feb 1970 the 6 ton preserved first- and second- class composite coach was lifted from its fish bed rails at snowy Stockton Station by the Cowans Sheldon built 45 ton capacity Thornaby breakdown crane (on bay platform one) onto a flatrol wagon of the Thornaby engineers train in the adjacent bay siding. English Electric Type 3 locomotive No. 6778, coded 1Z99, hauled the engineers train to Tees Yard, with the relic directly behind the locomotive, prior to the coach being sent to York for restoration. Since 1925 the coach had left Stockton once, to attend the Festival of Britain in 1951. The last time I saw this bay platform used was for transporting the dismantled station roof away for scrap.
It looks like the very coach I looked after when a boy porter at Stockton Station in 1946. The centre compartment was upholstered. and the end ones had wooden seats. I washed and polished it and cleaned the windows. I would open it and show people the inside. For a tip of course. This would suplement my wage of 23 shillings a week. Ah the good ole days.
This is certainly the coach that stood in Stockton railway station. I have a photograph that was taken when it stood there, which was published in a Stockton-on-Tees official guide during the 1950″s. Looking at the photograph above I would say it is the Darlington Railway Museum at North Road.
I remember the coach on Stockton Station. I don”t think it was that particular one as I seem to remember it as being smaller, similar to just the section in the middle. Unfortunately I don”t know where it went but someone is bound to know. Another piece of Stockton”s history gone. By the way Bob, was interested in the story of the owners of Elmwood.
This coach, which I believe is the same one that was on Stockton station, is currently on display at Darlington North Road Museum. Well worth a visit.
Bob – yes there certainly was one situated on the platforms, It may well the one which is exhibited at the National Railway Collection at York.
Wasn”t this or a similar coach situated in Stockton Station on a plinth, north end of the platform after the subway for over 60years+? Jjust coach no luggage as shown. Anybody know of its present whereabouts ?