Building a 1950s train for a film set, help?

[Splitting Hairs]

Hello!

I've just joined the Classic Trains forum as I am in need of some expert help.

I am production designer on a short film and I am in charge of designing and building a full-size 1950s train carriage, lavatory and corridor.

I'm still in the development stage, and was wondering if anyone on here could give me some tips and tricks on building a train, or anything I should know about the 1950s British trains in general?

I understand that different companies designed their trains different, but any information on any style of train would be very helpful!

Thank you in advanced,

Esme 

[daveklepper]

Where are  you located?    You may be better off using a an existing piece of equpiment.

I think Israel Railroads may still have some second hand or third-hand Mark-2 coaches which at one time were a standard on BR, right around the 1950's for sale, and may be shipped to the US pretty economically.  

Or you might best go on -location and film at one of the many steam tourists railroads in Great Britain.

Some websites for you to google might invclude    Bluebell Railway     Mark I Coaches    Mark II coaches

British Pullman.  Flying Scottsman     Cornish Riviera Express    Bournmouth Bell    You may find lots of interior pictures of equipment.

[narig01]

Depends on budget. You might be better off using existing equipment. Some of the major studios may still have sets in their warehouses. And their is a lot of museum equipment out there.
1950's look at the series The Bletchley Circle recently done and some of the interviews done. That series had a good feel for a nicely done production.

Also a list of railway museums

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_railway_museums_in_the_United_Kingdom

Rgds IGN

[aricat]

Contact the Severn Valley Railway for certain. This is a working railway museum that operates 1950's vintage railway equipment. They also have locomotives from the 1950's like Hagley Hall at the museum. Another resource is the Worcester Locomotive Society in Worcester England. Compartments were the rule not the exception on British passenger trains in the 1950's. An authentic British Railways coach( carriage) must have compartments and the coach should be painted red and cream which the British call blood and custard.