Wartime Pullman Carriage Used by Churchill Restored in Devon

Pullman Car No 246, named Lydia, a luxury railway carriage with significant historical importance, has been meticulously restored after more than 50 years and will resume operation on the South Devon Railway this summer. Originally built in 1924-1925 for the prestigious Pullman Company, Lydia served as a mobile strategic hub during the planning stages of D-Day, hosting key figures like Winston Churchill and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and was later part of Churchill's state funeral train in 1965. The restoration involved extensive work, including replacing stolen brass fittings and replicating parts from other Pullman carriages, ensuring the carriage retains its Art Deco elegance and original specifications. Now functioning as a centerpiece for heritage experiences, Lydia will offer private hires, luxury dining, and themed journeys along the scenic route between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. The South Devon Railway emphasizes that the recommissioning of Lydia revives not just a rail carriage but a legacy that shaped 20th-century history, providing guests with a tangible link to Britain's wartime past. This restored carriage will remain at South Devon Railway for the foreseeable future, serving as a symbol of enduring craftsmanship and historical significance.