On ‘Kenny Belle’ duty, 41292 at Kensington Olympia on 4 June 1956 with the vintage coaching stock used on the service between 1952 and the end of 1956, and on this day with a horsebox in front, presumably in connection with a horse show at Olympia. The sign in the centre behind 41292’s exhaust proclaims the building as ‘Olympia’s Official Garage’, London’s first multi-storey car park, which opened in 1937.
The vintage coaching stock has a fascinating history; the outer four vehicles were originally g built by the SECR as Rail-motors, they were converted into four two-coach sets in 1924, two of which went to the Isle of Wight, the other two (sets 513 & 514) are shown here and were unique as being the only articulated coaches on the SR. From late 1952 to 1956 they were used on the 'Kenny Belle' services but were not then withdrawn, set 513 went to Eastleigh for use on the Fawley branch, whereas set 514 went to Salisbury for use on the Idmiston workers service. They were finally withdrawn in 1957 and 1959 respectively. The coch in the middle is one of the ex-SECR 60' 10 compartment all Thirds, known as 'Long Tens'. These were built in batches between 1921 and 1923 as steam hauled stock but with the potential idea that they would later be used in electric sets. They weren't and remained as steam hauled throughout their lives with a reputation for being very uncomfortable. No. 41290 was at Stewarts Lane from September 1951 until May 1961.
The sign in the centre proclaims the building as ‘Olympia’s Official Garage’, London’s first multi-storey car park, which opened in 1937. Note the fourth rail for the London Transport tube line on the track at the right of the picture and on the one where No. 41292 is standing.