Caledonian Sleeper Arrives at Didcot!

A carriage once used on the prestigious Caledonian Sleeper from London to the Scottish Highlands has arrived at Didcot Railway Centre and will soon be used to provide overnight accommodation for some of the volunteers who help run the 21-acre living museum.

The Mark III Sleeping Car No 10527 which was delivered to the Didcot West Yard on Wednesday 6 May and worked to the Centre by DB Cargo on Monday 11 May. The coach has been donated by Porterbrook Leasing following its retirement from Caledonian Sleeper services last October.  Once an electricity supply and intruder and fire alarm systems have been installed, the 1980s’ vintage carriage will be used to replace the Mark II Sleeper currently used to provide overnight accommodation for volunteers.

Chief Executive, Emma Jhita, said “We are extremely grateful for Porterbrook for this generous gift.  In normal times, our 250 active volunteers contribute around 50,000 hours to restore and maintain our unique collection and help welcome visitors and bring to life the history of the Great Western Railway – anything that helps us to improve the amenities for our working volunteers is very welcome and this coach will be of particular benefit to those that travel some distance to work on the site.”

She added, “Although we are currently closed, we will be pleased to welcome new volunteers as soon as we are in a position to reopen – whether you want to help run the trains, serve in the shop or tend the gardens within the Centre, we’d love to hear from you.”

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