A Legacy of Orient Express Elegance: A Journey Through British War History with Pullman Car No. 246

This summer, history enthusiasts and train aficionados will have the chance to travel in a historic carriage used by Winston Churchill during World War II. Pullman Car No. 246, named ‘Lydia’, has been meticulously restored to its former glory by South Devon Railway after over 50 years and will commence service this summer.

This remarkable carriage is renowned as the setting where Churchill discussed D-Day plans with General Dwight D. Eisenhower. It also served during Churchill’s funeral in 1965. Built in 1924 by the Midland Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, ‘Lydia’ pays homage to the golden age of luxury train travel, featuring dark wood paneling, golden lighting fixtures, and plush blue velvet seats.

Throughout the summer, this carriage, once traveled in by Churchill, will operate on a stunning route between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, offering passengers luxurious dining train journeys. Exact dates for the services are yet to be announced.

South Devon Railway stated, “Built for the prestigious Pullman Company, known for iconic trains like the world-famous Orient Express, this carriage offers a rare and tangible connection to Britain’s wartime past while standing as an enduring symbol of craftsmanship.”