Running through the picturesque English countryside is one of Britain’s most iconic heritage railways: the Kent and East Sussex Railway. This historic railway is renowned for its lovingly restored collection of trains, including a series of original 1900s wooden Pullman carriages. Once the epitome of luxury rail travel, these classic carriages are now an essential part of the railway’s tourist offering, attracting thousands of visitors each year who want to relive the atmosphere of the early 20th century.
To preserve the authentic appearance and structural quality of these carriages, they have recently been treated with the sustainable product 2C Colour Coat in RAL 9010. This treatment is part of a wider restoration approach that combines heritage conservation, sustainability and everyday use.
Purpose and starting point of the treatment
The applied colour treatment had multiple objectives, aimed at both functional preservation and aesthetic restoration:
- Preservation of original wooden exterior cladding
- Protection against weather influences, UV radiation and air pollution
- Visual restoration of the original style and colour scheme (white with accents)
- Guarantee wear-resistant, sustainable usability during the tourist season
- Meeting safety and maintenance requirements without compromising on heritage value
The choice of RAL 9010 is in line with the classic appearance of the original Pullman design, which exudes tranquility, elegance and comfort.
Treatment in detail
1. Surface preparation
The wooden panels were carefully cleaned, lightly sanded and stripped of old, worn layers of paint or lacquer. This step is essential for optimum adhesion of the new coating.
2. Application of 2C Colour Coat
2C Colour Coat RAL 9010 was applied in one layer. Thanks to the high covering power and even flow of this product, one layer was sufficient to achieve the desired result. The coating seals the wood against external moisture, while allowing the wood to continue to breathe – an important aspect for historical building materials.
3. Finishing and drying
The coating hardens quickly and is resistant to mechanical stress, cleaning agents and temperature changes. After drying, the surface is semi-gloss, colourfast and easy to clean.
Why 2C Colour Coat?
- Professional two-component coating with excellent adhesion to wood
- Fast processing and high coverage – ideal for heritage projects with limited timeframes
- Resistant to steam, soot, rain and temperature fluctuations
- UV stable – prevents yellowing of white surfaces
- Repairable – damage can be repaired locally without visible differences
- Contributes to a low maintenance regime, ideal for tourist heritage
Heritage and exploitation: a careful balance
Restoring a carriage from 1900 involves more than just paint. Requirements must be met in the areas of:
- Cultural preservation – the original appearance must be preserved
- Safety and durability – the carriage must be usable on a daily basis
- Tourist experience – the train must look attractive and well-maintained to visitors
- Ease of maintenance – minimal cleaning and repair work between journeys
Thanks to this treatment, a sustainable balance has been found between historical authenticity and modern ease of use.
