This railway vehicle was constructed about 1890 at the Great Eastern Railways works at Stratford. East London. It had six compartments, three of which were for smokers. Originally, it had upholstered seats, air brakes, oil lighting - but no heating! This was added in LNER days after 1923.

It had six wheels - a short and light coach by modern standards. As longer and heavier (Bogie) coaches became available, it was put to use on branch line services (such as the line through the Museum).

Eventually, it was withdrawn and sold out of service in 1935. It lost its wheels and became part of a bungalow that was erected at Homersfield , near Bungay in Suffolk. Hence, it is referred to locally as "the Bungay Coach" as well as "the Curio Coach".

Here it was used as an evacuee's home in the Second World War - with no mains water or electricity. The coach body was brought back to the Museum about 1982, by one of our members, Mr. Reg Robinson, who was himself an evacuee and became familiar with it during this period.

It is now acting as a shop, selling second - hand goods for the benefit of the Museum. Part of its profits has been set aside to finance a roof replacement, to keep it safe and dry until 2005 when it may be possible to restore it to working order.