Four-Wheeled TPO

[GSWR 90]

Four-wheeled TPO 698a was having its panels stripped at Downpatrick for repainting, when it was discovered underneath a layer of paint that 638a is actually 639a! Does anyone know the original TPO number that 639a would have had? In addition, any more information about the history of these coaches or when it was withdrawn from regular service would be gratefully appreciated

It was rebuilt when it was put in departmental service, so now it's being rebuilt to something similar to its original configuration so it can be used as a guard's/generator van

 

 

Edited May 18 by GSWR 90

[Mol_PMB]

I can link a selection of photos for you, maybe tomorrow. In original condition one side had no windows at all, but there were skylights in the roof. 
They originally carried silver livery, then black and tan, but I’ve never found a photo of one in green. 
 

[Mol_PMB]

This photo shows the blank side and the skylights:

https://flic.kr/p/2pwCmf3

There are 3 TPOs here, two 4-wheelers and a bogie one. The 4-wheelers are opposite ways round. 

Another view of the same train:

https://flic.kr/p/2pwByWw

This photo of Fry’s model shows the other side in original condition, though I’m not sure that the number style is correct:

So I think you have one side of the vehicle fairly original and the other modified. 

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, Mol_PMB said:

This photo shows the blank side and the skylights:

https://flic.kr/p/2pwCmf3

There are 3 TPOs here, two 4-wheelers and a bogie one. The 4-wheelers are opposite ways round. 

Another view of the same train:

https://flic.kr/p/2pwByWw

This photo of Fry’s model shows the other side in original condition, though I’m not sure that the number style is correct:

So I think you have one side of the vehicle fairly original and the other modified. 

Well spotted, Mol, that number IS incorrect. It should be unlined eau-de-nil. The "p+t" lettering is not right either, and the lettering on the actual letter-box should be pale green.

[Mol_PMB]

Having had a look at my references, in 1967 these are still listed in the carriage list, but by 1979 they had gone.

The three extra bogie TPOs 2979-2981 were introduced in 1968 (modified from older passenger coaches). I think they were intended to replace the 4-wheelers, so around 1968 would probably be the date they were withdrawn from normal service and some transferred to engineers' use.

Here's a photo from Ernie showing some details of a silver one at Mullingar in 1959.

Also from Ernie, one at Sligo in a train of mostly silver liveried vehicles, apart from the loco which rather spoils the space-age image!

Both these photos show the configuration of the water pipes for the toilet, not often so obvious.

 

Hope that helps, I look forward to seeing progress on the real thing. I'm planning to visit Downpatrick in August.

[Mol_PMB]

This one is still in use as a TPO in 1968:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/irishrailwayarchive/53570446741

Whereas this one in 1971 seems to have been 'borrowed' for other purposes:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/irishrailwayarchive/53570644023

I think the latter was a marketing initiative; I vaguely recall seeing some IRRS footage of it at Youghal.

[Mol_PMB]

Grey and yellow B135, black and tan carriages, silver 4w TPO:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/irishrailwayarchive/53446885371/

I still haven't found a picture of a CIE-built TPO in green, other than in preservation. Undoubtedly some of the older TPOs carried green.

[flange lubricator]

The first ones to be withdrawn in 1968 were replaced by three ex GSR coaches becoming 2979,2980 and 2981 I suspect the interiors

re used in the bogie vans the withdrawn ones were then used as vans for a while .

 Here's one as a van signs removed and letter box covered over .

KAM_CIE_2766_Dun_Laoghaire_28_May_1970 | [Photographer: Kevi… | Flickr

The others were used on Sligo and Wexford mails for a while into the early 1970s one became the foreman's office in Mullingar scrap yard .

SLR_CIE_X_Mullingar_23_Aug_1986 | [Photographer: Seamus Latt… | Flickr

 

Edited May 20 by flange lubricator