In spite of World War Two, L.N.E.R. placed 79 coaches at 65 locations across the national network for the 1940 season, each fully equipped to comply with black-out regulations. However, by 1942, things had to change. For example, it was reported that "all the 209 L.M.S. holiday camping coaches that in peace-time were at beauty spots throughout the country are now on war work, some being Home Guard posts and guard rooms and others naval or military posts." (Daily Mirror 16 May).
Immediately after the War, some of the former camping coaches were converted into living quarters for railway staff in areas where there was a shortage of housing or lodgings, such as London. It wasn't until the early 1950s that the camping coaches concept returned on a large-scale and this is when Lundin Links was added to the list of destinations. Advertising in the 1950s emphasised that "out-of-date coaches have been renovated to answer every need of a family of six....The coaches have three bedrooms, each with two beds, wash-hand basin and wardrobe; large dining room, canvas chairs, shining cutlery and plates, and a scullery to delight every woman's heart." (2 July 1952 Courier). Long weekends were now offered as well as full week long holidays.
A camping coach arrived at Lundin Links in 1953, as one of five new Scottish locations, along with Elie, Kingussie, Fortrose and Kentallen. Sleeping six people, these new sites cost between £7 and £10 per week depending upon the season (Fife Herald 29 April). The aerial view below shows the coach in position in 1954. It is below the two station buildings on a siding between the main line on the right and the goods yard on the left. By 1958, two coaches were sited at Lundin Links - see link below for the full 1958 brochure:
http://www.scotlandrailholiday.com/documents/camping%20coaches%201958.pdf
According to 'The Leven and East of Fife Railway' book by Hajducki, Jodeluk and Simpson, the coaches remained at Lundin Links until the 1961 season (being taken away to St Rollox works in Glasgow for an overhaul at the end of each season before returning to the village). Sadly, general demand for camping coach holidays declined from the mid-1960s and all but vanished by the early 1970s. Did you ever take a holiday in a camping coach? Do you recall them at Lundin Links? If so, please comment.