56856 (built by Metropolitan Cammell in 1938.)

The diagram 186 vehicles were built in vast numbers during the 1930s by both the LNER workshops and private contractors (Metropolitan Cammell and Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon). With 2 + 2 seating and 64 seats in total these coaches were used quite extensively in excursion sets and summer holiday relief trains.

They were originally internally decorated with a material called rexine in a shade of brown (often described as a snake skin pattern). Internal brass and woodwork not covered in rexine (or Chrome plated) was spray painted with cellulose brown paint. The rexine was later removed following several serious Fires which spread quickly due to the nitro-cellulose in the material. The saloon was also decorated by large number of elliptical mirrors. Later internal paint finishes are unclear but thought to be two tone in BR days. dark red up to waist level and cream above that. As with 43567 the original seats were described 'bucket seats' and upholstered with an orange brown and red moquette with brown connely hide surround and a rexine covered back. There has been much written about them being very uncomfortable (see David Jenkinson's comments in British Railway Carriages of the 20th Century vol 2). but someone who remembers travelling on them has told the LNERCA that when they were new there were very comfortable. The problems arose after much use when the back sagged probably causing stress on the occupants back, It is also unclear when these seals were removed and replaced with the high backed variety.

Originally supplied to the Great Central section This vehicle was also converted into departmental use during the 1960s, becoming DE321 108 and being used as a Medical Officers saloon in the Peterborough area. The seats and toilet partitions were removed and several windows down one side were also stripped out and blanked off By partitioning off this area with no windows a narrow room was created for eyesight tests to be carried out.

56856 was purchased by Rick Edmonson and had been under restoration at Resco in Woolwich. It was stripped to the frame and had been recanvassed and was destined for use in the 'Royal Scotsman' train touring the Highlands. To this end a dummy sleeping compartment was built within the coach for publicity purposes including a scenic painting placed in the window! This work was aborted possibly due to more strict regulations on timber bodied stock on the main line and so Rick offered the coach to the group at a bargain basement price. Although short of bogies and all internal fittings the timber frame of the vehicle was in an immaculate condition, At the time the LNERCA did not the finance available and so a consortium of members was formed to purchase this coach and also Corridor Third 3291 and became the 'Gresley Owners Group'.

The NYMR were not so keen on two more unrestored vehicles coming to the railway at the time so both were moved to the site of the former engine shed at Starbeck (Harrogate) where an infant Preservation Society had formed known as the 'Great Yorkshire RPS'.