BR 3MT 2-6-2T No 82018 with the 9.31am Sidmouth-Sidmouth Jct arriving at Sidmouth Jct on 19 June 1959. The leading coach is a SECR 'Long Ten' all third built to be included in early EMUs but never utilised.

These 100 seaters were built in three batches were classified as SR Diag. 52 Thirds.

The first batch built by BRC&W (underframe by GRC&W) were delivered in August 1921. The second style which had SECR bodies, on BRC&W underframes, had match-boarded sides below the waistband whereas the third style were full steel-panelled of which the last batch were built entirely at Ashford. Two of the latter style are preserved on the Bluebell Railway. They were intended to be incorporated in yet to be constructed SECR EMUs sets but this didn’t happened and they remained steam hauled stock throughout their existence.

The photo shows one of the latter style, and agreed it is entering Sidmouth Junction, in 1959. Why then? – well these two coach formations were formed in 1958 (classified as ‘W’ sets numbered 100 to 110) utilising a Maunsell 6-compartment Brake Composite (SR Diag. 2401) coupled to one of the ex-SECR ‘Long Tens’. The ‘Long Tens’ were replaced with Maunsell Open Thirds late in 1959. They were employed on Bere Alston – Callington, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth/Exmouth branches. Note though that I can’t see a ‘First’ class designation on the coach door. It was the first two-compartments after the guards section that were firsts, the remaining four being thirds.


Photo: K.L. Cook / Rail Archive Stephenson