Tavern car from mechanic Oliver Bulleid

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Tavern car from mechanic Oliver Bulleid

New Zealand mechanical engineer Oliver Bulleid designed several locomotives, such as the Battle of Britain Class and the West Country Class. In addition, it offered its own version of long-distance buses. One of his most daring projects was the development of railway tavern cars.

In 1949-1951, the engineer put the idea into practice, taking as a basis the dining car and the interior of the tavern, which was located in Pulborough, in West Sussex (Great Britain). Inside, it looks like a classic pub with rough whitewashed walls and dark oak beams. From the outside, the car also looks the same: the lower part resembles a brick wall,and the upper part is painted cream. Four of the eight planned "pubs" were put into operation.

However, the steam engines of the taverns there were opponents who have condemned the project. The Times published a letter signed by heads of museums and educational institutions who did not want to see mobile pubs on wheels on the railway. It was possible to buy a ticket and ride in unusual cars for ten years, after which they were completely abandoned.