THE latest carriage to be completed in the Watercress Line’s carriage workshop at Ropley Station, has been revealed as the MK1 CK 16083.

The carriage first arrived in the workshop a couple of years ago in a state of disrepair, not having been in operation for about 10 years.

Since then major refurbishment has been underway, with repairs to the bogies, metal structure, windows, paintwork, leaking roof and the interiors of the carriage.

Many of the carriages at the Watercress Line do not have compartments but this one has three third and four first class compartments, making for an interesting addition to the fleet.

Work on the interiors included restoring the seating, re-panelling the vestibules, some rewiring and new lino floors throughout.

It has now been returned to its former glory and made its first outing for the Watercress Line’s popular Santa Specials and the Christmas Leave wartime living history event in December last year.

Ian Harwood, a member of staff who was closely involved with the work on the carriage, said: “This will be a very special addition to the fleet here at the Watercress Line. It is down to all the volunteers and staff who have been working tirelessly and with huge skill that this has been made possible.”

For more information about the restoration work undertaken at the Watercress Line visit; https://www.watercressline.co.uk/