3-003-795 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Her Majesty's carriage on the London and North-Western Railway, 1861. '...State carriage...constructed expressly for the use of her Majesty, the Prince Consort, and suite, the cost of which, it is stated, exceeded £3000. The design of this magnificent specimen of railway carriage architecture was prepared by and carried out under the direction of Mr. Cawkwell, the general manager, and Mr. H. P, Bruyeres, the general superintendent of the London and North-Western Railway. The framework upon which the body of the carriage rests is constructed of solid oak, handsomely carved and highly polished, resting upon wheels of Mansell's patent; the centres are also composed of the strongest solid oak, the tires of which have been put on cold and hammered, as affording a greater amount of security...The carriage body has three floors - first, that of the usual material; secondly a flooring of oak; and, thirdly, a flooring of cork, which has the effect of reducing vibration, and of destroying or deadening to a great extent the noise of the wheels whilst travelling. The panels...are of a beautiful Royal claret colour, bearing in the centre the Royal arms, and on the side panels are the orders of the Garter, the Bath, and the Thistle, exquisitely painted'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.