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Circus Train SKs

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 8:24 pm
by v3man
I have a Traffic Notice for Bertram Mills Circus Train movement from Musselburgh to Gorgie Cattle Market Sidings on the night of 23rd June 1962. The three trains ran with SKs behind the loco, SK1183 in the first train, SKs 1205,1221,& 1210 in the second train and SKs 1485 &1215 in the third train.
As I have found that all BR Mk1 SKs had five digit numbers I wonder if these were LNER coaches or, of course, they could have been from any of the preNationalisation companies if they accompanied the train all over the country. Does anyone have details of these SKs?

Re: Circus Train SKs

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 9:55 pm
by Andy W
The Bertram Mills SK’s were SR Maunsell vehicles. 5 of them, 1183, 1205, 1210, 1215 and 1221 (all built under order 705 in late 1933) were allocated to these workings right until the end of 1963 when they got damaged at Ascot. 6 later built replacements were allocated by SR for 1964.

1485 is interesting because, if that number is correct and it is a SR vehicle, that’s a Bulleid SO! It was a loose vehicle in SR stock at that time so it may well have been used in these trains.

Re: Circus Train SKs

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 10:57 pm
by JASd17
Just re-reading the Oakwood volume on the ES&SSJR by A.A. Maclean. A thorough volume.

This detail certainly adds to the story.

John