SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY – New Café for Staverton
Steve Bates at work in the kitchen area | Photo © J. Brodribb 2013 |
The Staverton Preservation Group is currently engaged in converting the dmu centre car, formerly in use as an office and mess for the Permanent Way Department, into a cafe and kitchen car for use on beer festival days. Currently painted in all-over black, it will be turned out in maroon, since it came from a London Midland region unit; Andy Matthews has offered to carry out this job.
The photos show work in progress on the interior. Panelling is in an advanced state, as is the ceiling. The kitchen area will be at the Totnes end of the vehicle, and will connect with the serving counter. Most of the vehicle will be given over to seating and tables, with maroon leatherette on the walls, for easy cleaning. It is hoped to have the vehicle ready for the first beer festival of the season.
The seating area, seen from the position of the counter | some of the Staverton team doing what they do best - drink tea. L-R Steve Bates, Alan Johnson, Sue Bates and Richard Davies |
The current view of the coach, painted black, behind the platform at Staverton | |
Photo © J. Brodribb 2013 |