After ten years in service, E. & T.V.R. utilicon, BEE 2309, has had its black plastic upholstery fabric replaced by a traditional carriage moquette, “Bournemouth Blue,” a pattern which will be familiar to many railway passengers of a certain age.
The fabric had been used in the older Piaggio, BEE 2247. Stitching it had bent the needle in the railway’s sewing machine so the recent job was given to a local vehicle trimmer, who usefully put a piece of carpet on top of the “serpentine” springs so that drivers now do not have impressions left on their hind quarters after every long run.
“Bournemouth Blue” was introduced when the line to Southampton and Bournemouth was electrified in 1967 and survived as a standard pattern until “sectorization” of British Rail.
Torrington Heritage Transport Fabrics Ltd.
The late Sir Kenneth Grange was credited with designing the H.S.T. but where did he find his inspiration? Was it while he was on holiday in Italy?