As built, during Queen Victoria's reign, the coaches were painted in this elegant purple-brown with ivory panels. Some are now back in this livery as part of the Victorian train, which makes appearances on the Ffestiniog Railway during events and galas.

The 'Bug Boxes', or formally 'Small Birminghams' were built for the Ffestiniog Railway by Brown, Marshall & Co in Birmingham between 1864-7, making them some of the World#s oldest railway carriages still in regular use. They have been in use on the FR as well as the Welsh Highland Railway throughout their lives and are still in regular use on both railways as part of the heritage fleet