REVIEWS
Mr Bulleid’s Tavern Cars
By Kevin Robertson
THE author’s objective is to investigate whether or not the Bulleid-designed Tavern and Restaurant cars, which emerged from Eastleigh Works in 1949 to work as eight sets (one of each type in a semi-permanent pairing) on services including the‘Atlantic Coast Express’and‘Master Cutler’, really deserved the negative comments that their introduction generated.
The depth of research into these unconventional pub-themed vehicles and their accompanying restaurant facilities (with small windows at head height and longitudinal seating in First Class) is impressive and matched by a comprehensive selection of drawings and photographs depicting them in their original and modernised conditions.
Highlights include how they were unveiled to the media (including memoranda about the event and details from the invitation circulated at the time), as well as passenger and staff reaction to them entering service (drawn from letters to the press) and written feedback to railway managers. Together with other correspondence, these paint a picture of thoughts and feelings.