Diagram C.10, Lot No. 962

No 1941 represents the third stage of carriage development on the GWR, from the broad gauge papier-mâché bodies through the short 30ft coaches to the larger Dean bogie carriages being built in the last ten years of the 19th century. This coach is 46ft long, has 8 compartments seating 10 passengers in each. Lighting was by gas provided from tanks under the coach chassis. The gas lamps were tall and to provide space in the compartments the central section of the roof was raised forming what is known as a clerestory roof, so keeping the lamp clear of the passengers' heads. The carriage is mounted on Dean centreless bogies, which are supported at the corners of the frames and not in the centre as is normal. In 1901 it cost £812 to build.

Introduced in the 1890s they replaced earlier coaches and being built in hundreds with many variations, they formed the basic coaches until newer designs appeared in the first decade of the 20th century.

Some of these carriages lasted in passenger use until the late 1950s, following which a few spent further time as departmental coaches as did 1941. This was recovered from Cardiff in 1968 in a very poor state. Since then it has been restored to its original condition, including such items as gas lamps, and upholstery which has been specially recreated for the carriage.

This in its day was the standard third class coach, now it is one of only two in existence. The other is awaiting restoration here at Didcot. This lovely vehicle is normally on display in the carriage shed but very occasionally escapes for a run on the demonstration lines.

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