Hawksworth Sleeper Coach

[58001]

I have just returned from a weekend in Kidderminster including an obligatory trip on the Severn Valley Railway. On one of the platforms, presumably being used as a camping coach, is a beautifully finished Hawksworth sleeper coach. This prompted a little

research only to find out that only four were ever made and they first appeared in crimson and cream livery. They do look very smart in the (non prototypical) GWR livery and would make a great addition to any layout. Perhaps an idea for a future line in Hornby's

Hawksworth coach series?

[Ozexpatriate]

58001 said:
On one of the platforms, presumably being used as a camping coach, is a beautifully finished Hawksworth sleeper coach. Perhaps an idea for a future line in Hornby's Hawksworth coach series?

I'm sure it would be lovely,

and assuming the same underframe and coach body, probably not a big stretch to add to the Hawksworth line-up - as you suggest.

Did you see the Churchward toplights at the SVR? They'd be my preference.

For an example, see: http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/3930.html

Curiously

though, the only "sleeper/camp coach" listed on the online SVR stock list ( http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/stock_list.html ) is number 2426 which is a Churchward toplight: http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/2426.html

[58001]

The Hawksworth sleeper is a 12 wheel coach so the under frame is different. Apparently the sleepers were noticeably heavier than the day coaches so need more wheels to spread the weight.
Unfortunately I didn't catch a glimpse of the toplights during

my visit. From the link you have provided they would make a superb model, but then I am biased towards chocolate and cream coaches!

[LCDR]

At Goathland NYMR one of the Hawksworth Full Brakes has been converted into a luxury camping coach. It is painted in LNER camping coach livery of green and cream. The other camping coaches are Mark 1s, and are reserved for volunteers, but anyone can hire

the Hawksworth. There is another Mark 1 camping coach at Levisham available for hire, and a staff dormitory at Pickering is a former Mark 3 sleeping car.