Royal trains were initially a palace on wheels in every sense but today is a palace, but only in a functional sense, not at all luxurious when compared to 100 years ago. Debates are frequently held about value for money, but such matter as the latest innovations introduced onto Royal trains end up cascaded into ordinary trains in the same way as F1 racing cars’ innovation ends up on our cars today are ignored.
The 1903 Royal Train was built on the instruction of King Edward VII who ordered that the train be built so far as possible, to resemble the interior of The Royal Yacht! In the first world war, the train was extensively used for motivational tours and had baths, telephones, electric lighting and cooking facilities plus the precursor of air conditioning.
It was again used across the UK in the second world war until the threat of bombing brought the construction of an armoured Royal train at Wolverton in 1941.
The current Royal coaches built at Wolverton carry a unique maroon livery with red and black coach lining and a grey roof. The Queen's Saloon has a bedroom, bathroom and a modest sitting room.
There are two saloons for the Prince of Wales and the Late Duke of Edinburgh plus other associated Saloons. Princess Diana had her own apartment, richly furnished with drapes and curtains, a far cry from the décor of other Royal carriages which were more austere.
The Queen visited Wolverton on several occasions and fortunately Phil Marsh has documented much of this history considerably assisted by long serving Wolverton Royal train staff who made their archives available for inclusion in ‘The Full Works’.
The 1903 Royal Train was built on the instruction of King Edward VII who ordered that the train be built so far as possible, to resemble the interior of The Royal Yacht! In the first world war, the train was extensively used for motivational tours and had baths, telephones, electric lighting and cooking facilities plus the precursor of air conditioning.
It was again used across the UK in the second world war until the threat of bombing brought the construction of an armoured Royal train at Wolverton in 1941.
The current Royal coaches built at Wolverton carry a unique maroon livery with red and black coach lining and a grey roof. The Queen's Saloon has a bedroom, bathroom and a modest sitting room.
There are two saloons for the Prince of Wales and the Late Duke of Edinburgh plus other associated Saloons. Princess Diana had her own apartment, richly furnished with drapes and curtains, a far cry from the décor of other Royal carriages which were more austere.
The Queen visited Wolverton on several occasions and fortunately Phil Marsh has documented much of this history considerably assisted by long serving Wolverton Royal train staff who made their archives available for inclusion in ‘The Full Works’.
Wolverton's Royal Connections
Wolverton Works has been synonymous with The Royal Train since 1842 housing carriages built elsewhere with Royal carriages designed and constructed there since 1869.
The train is based and maintained within the Works in its own secure compound on the northwest corner of the Works. There are many Royal connections with Wolverton such as the Reading Rooms and Works’ library which became a favourite for early Royal Train passengers.
In addition to Queen Victoria, many Heads of State also used these facilities as a private resting place while their train was serviced with fresh crews and locomotives provided, especially on the way to or from Scotland.
The London & North Western Railway were justifiably proud of their Royal connections publishing many postcards depicting inside and exterior views of their Royal carriages. Today, such pictures are not allowed and access to the Royal Train heavily controlled.
The train is based and maintained within the Works in its own secure compound on the northwest corner of the Works. There are many Royal connections with Wolverton such as the Reading Rooms and Works’ library which became a favourite for early Royal Train passengers.
In addition to Queen Victoria, many Heads of State also used these facilities as a private resting place while their train was serviced with fresh crews and locomotives provided, especially on the way to or from Scotland.
The London & North Western Railway were justifiably proud of their Royal connections publishing many postcards depicting inside and exterior views of their Royal carriages. Today, such pictures are not allowed and access to the Royal Train heavily controlled.