The LNER Encyclopedia

The modelling fraternity often rely on the restorers for information, I wonder if it could work the other way? I am beavering away on my 12” to 1’ scale model of a 1930 Gresley Dia 114 BTK, having faithfully reproduced the picture/mirror frames which sit above the seat backs in the compartments I now need to order the mirrors, however whilst the drawings show the size they give no indication of whether they are bevelled or the style of LNER monogram (if any). Most folk are familiar with the oval carriage mirrors which adorn the Gresleys made from the mid thirties onwards, the style I need are the earlier rectangular 21” long by 11” high type. Do any of you have a clear photograph or example of an original mirror please? Examples of tableware from this period have the LNER letters entwined to varying degrees, some quite ornate though they may be a little too posh for third class! The LNERCA has numerous oval mirrors in its collection but so far none of the rectangular variety.

Also above the compartment sliding doors were framed adverts for the LNER hotels, does any one have a copy of an original? I have seen a GNR advert but not the later LNER version.

I have been looking for interior photographs but it will take ages to go through the LNER Magazine page-by-page, which is the only other likely readily available source.

The 1930 additional stock for 'The Flying Scotsman' sets had oval mirrors:

65447,
Your photo looks similar to the 1936 first class comp on page 11 of Harris's LNER standard carriages, the compartment I am recreating is below, a photo you will have seen many times showing the crew of the Flying scotsman in their reserved 3rd class compartment, if only the mirror and advert above the door were visible! It does however show the "Fawn rep" upholstery that we are having made for 3669, again a moquette that we have never found a sample of- used extensively in third class stock but phased out from the mid thirties. The seats shown are of the std pattern which later to appeared with armrests when the LNER converted to three aside seating in the mid thirties, 3669s seats (probably a GN design) are button backed with a pronounced "banjo" shaped lumbar support and four aside- no armrests.

4493

It may well be similar, but the illustration was taken from an LNER book published in 1931; the intention being to show that the oval mirrors were fitted earlier than perhaps thought. It was the best (in fact the only) I could find reasonably quickly.

Well I'm certainly surprised by the elliptical mirror! However the information being sought is for a third with rectangular hinged frames.

Sawdust.

65447,

Sorry, I was not questioning the date of your photo, just pointing out that its not what I need but thanks for posting. I too am suprised to see an oval mirror so early, a shame its not clear enough to see any lettering, but I suppose that is really asking too much from a general compartment view!

4493

LNER Drawing 7553N dated 1930 is of an unframed oval mirror which has radiused (3/16") edges. Not the answer you were after but supporting their use in 1930.

OK try this: Drawing 4710N dated 1925 that suggests bevelled.

MikeTrice wrote:OK try this: Drawing 4710N dated 1925 that suggests bevelled.

That matches the bevelled mirror in (4)3807 of 1909.

Sawdust.

Thanks Mike that answers half the mirror question, I am working to drawing 49713 dated april 1930 (61'6" - 52'6" vestibule cars 3rd class comp) which just calls for a "mirror".
Now you don't have a drawing for a Hotels advert do you....
Best wishes,
4493

4493 wrote:Thanks Mike that answers half the mirror question, I am working to drawing 49713 dated april 1930 (61'6" - 52'6" vestibule cars 3rd class comp) which just calls for a "mirror".
Now you don't have a drawing for a Hotels advert do you....
Best wishes,
4493

Is that a Met Camm drawing number?

Sawdust.

4493 wrote:Now you don't have a drawing for a Hotels advert do you....

Unfortunately not. Do the NRM have any in their collection?

I do have a vague recollection of seeing something somewhere but cannot recall where.

Mike,
Thanks for the info - I will investigate further when I visit the NRM.

Sawdust,
I assume 49713 to be the LNER number, the drawing is certainly Met-Camm from the HMRS archive at Butterley. It has a large stencilled Number 7048-49-7051 then below Drawing number 49713, I think this means it is a Met-Camm drawing office copy of LNER drawing 49713 I have seen other genuine LNER drawings with five figure 4xxxx numbers.

This particular drawing is covered with hand written mods for order 9037 of 32 cars, if I remember correctly these were 52'6" thirds for the GE section, I will have to look it up again!

4493