malcolm_capener@btinternet.com

Here are some of my memories from daily use of the Stroud Valleys service in the late 50s and 60s. The upholstery colour in Thrush consisted of a kind of leatherette Sage Green slightly ‘proud’ outer ends, with a darkish red and black striped pattern for the middles. Although I never encountered Wren, I think that for the most part the lower-backed seats fitted to later vehicles like diagram A43 had the same outers as Thrush, but with woven patterned centres in a checked sage green and black. We need to remember that at that time various film brands (even within a major company like Kodak - e.g. Kodachrome vs. Kodacolor) often produced differing shades. Also, the colour temperature of the ambient light frequently made things look bluer than they actually were. My recollection of the driving end is that (generally) drivers stood in the earlier Collett trailers - perhaps they didn’t have a seat? - and sat in the Hawksworth ones. For a picture of a driver seated, see p. 63 of Gloucester Locomotive Sheds by Steve Bartlett. Incidentally, the upper photo on p.61 in this book was taken in the Down platform at Chalford - not Stonehouse - and the gent with the peaked hat (who I recognise, but can’t put a name to) is the Conductor/Guard. All of the driving end bells that I can recall were painted maroon. I hope that this helps. It’s been nearly 60 years, but the memories of travelling on this line remain fresh. Oh, those races against the Midland expresses hauled by Jubilees!