This article was closed on 8 June 2003
Lab 4 has been found a new home. RDB 975386 Laboratory Coach 4 "Hastings" began life in May 1958 as Trailer Buffet car 60750 of Hastings "6B" unit no. 1032. Following withdrawal as early as January 1964, it was converted ten years later into one of BR's Advanced Passenger Train (APT) test vehicles. Less well-known is its subsequent use in trials for several other projects.
In the last decade of the 20th century Lab 4 returned home to St. Leonards depot with a view to possible restoration as a buffet car; however in view of the many heavy modifications to structure, running-gear, body and fabric of the vehicle, and the high costs that would be incurred in returning it to its original condition, these plans have been abandoned.
Instead of being cut up, Lab 4 was purchased by the "Hastings 60750 Group" (set up specially) and taken to [The Pump House Steam & Transport Museum, Walthamstow] in north-east London, where it is to become a tea-room; in this way a unique piece of Hastings Diesels history will live on. Lab 4 left St. Leonards by road on Thursday 3 April 2003.