Since she came home in 2026, a closer look has shown that the saloon needs far more work than we expected. The repairs are well beyond what the Association can meet from its everyday budget, so we are asking for your help.
What needs doing
- Windows: some windows have started to leak, and some of the wooden droplight windows need replacing.
- Body panels: rust is deforming some panelling, which needs to be treated, reformed and resealed. The outside panels need refixing and preparing for a repaint.
- Passenger saloon: some panels need replacing with the correct material.
- Woodwork and doors: there is some damage to repair.
- Toilet: the wooden panel finish and the green joint strips need restoring.
- Guard’s compartment: the paint finish has failed and needs redoing.
- Retractable step: the mechanism, including its lock, has been damaged.
Where we are now
Heavy rain in the autumn of 2026 revealed more work than expected. She was sheeted over and moved into covered storage to stop further damage while the work is planned.
Once the work is done, we aim to return her to service on the West Somerset Railway in 2027. We will post updates on the news page as the work goes on.
How the money is used
Every donation goes into the Hawksworth Fund, a restricted fund that can only be spent on this saloon. Should more be raised than the work needs, the balance will support the WSRA’s other carriages.