RETURN OF THE BRIGHTON BELLE

Work on the restoration of four ‘Brighton Belle’ coaches is nearing completion, as the 5BEL Trust project approaches the stage where the rebuilt vehicles will soon begin testing in preparation for their return to the national rail network, operating under their own power for the first time in almost 50 years.

Donors who have contributed towards the project and other invited guests were given the opportunity to view the coaches, which are undergoing rebuilding at W H Davis engineering works in Shirebrook, on June 1, prior to an anticipated move to Eastleigh during the summer for testing and commissioning works to begin.

While there remains a lot of work to be completed before the coaches can leave Shirebrook, it is clear the restoration and rebuilding is now reaching the final stages, and visitors were given a tantalising glimpse of the luxury that will greet passengers once the train returns to active service next year.

The work carried