Camping Coaches

[Jawfin]

Hi all

 

Is anyone aware of the identities of any of the camping coaches used by the GSR? Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

[Jawfin]

Is 837 the one that used to tootle about on the weedsprayer? I recall seeing pictures of it with camping-coach esque boards on the sides when being used

[jhb171achill]

I think so, Jawfin. It's currently at Mullingar, by the way, owned by a consortium of RPSI members.

[spudfan]

This reminds me of those halcyon days of yore. This would make the ideal camping coach...if you had somewhere appropriate to place it. With the current exchange rate it works out at €11,522. Postage might be expensive though.

http://www.sterlingrail.com/classifieds/classified.php?id=15883

[DiveController]

The Camping Coaches were announced in the Spring of 1959. Six were prepared for the 1959 season, two each for Dungarvan, Killarney and Carrick-on-Shannon, available from 2nd May to 24th October. Livery was described as being CDJRC style or dull pink and cream.

Apparently the season was successful and two more coaches were converted for the 1960 season, for Tramore. However, the two at Carrick-on-Shannon were transferred to Galway. HC7 and HC8 were converted from 818, 837. The W&T closed on 31/12/60 and apparently all coaches, including the HC's, were moved to Waterford, where one at least had to be removed, as the next mention of allocations is as late as 1967, (which appears to be the last season), when HC4 and HC5 were at Killarney and HC1, 2, 3, 6, 7 were at Youghal.

 

Early in 1968 the Camping Coaches were withdrawn. HC7 became 529A and was located at Dungarvan for the lifting crews on the Mallow - Waterford route. 529A retained its roof boards reading "Holiday Camping Coach" and both were still red and cream.

Camping coaches at Dungarvan, 1966

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