ISSUE 1 - MARCH 1996
INTRODUCTION
Here it is..... the first issue of The Railcar Monthly Bulletin. We hope that it will become a useful medium for any ideas and news of interest to the DMU preservationist. This depends on regular input, so remember to have your submissions for the next edition ready in time for Saturday 13th April. Running dates and certain other items will be repeated until they become out of date. Also, please remember to tell us of any changes to your plans. We also welcome your comments on The Bulletin content.
Many thanks to those who have contributed to this first issue. However, to be successful we do need to receive material from more groups; subscribers and those still to reply to our questionnaire.
To avoid repetition, full names and addresses of contacts are given at the end of the Bulletin only.
NEWS
PURCHASES My Little Sprinter Ltd (based on the Strathspey Rly.) tell us that Railtrack have accepted their offer for two Class 107 power cars currently at Millerhill (ex-Sandite units at Haymarket). It is hoped to move these by road to Boat of Garten during March.
SPARES ALERT Several Class 108 units remain at Booth's scrap yard at Rotherham. They have engines, gearboxes, bogies, heaters and some other useful parts. Much of the electrical gear has already been taken as has any useful seating, etc. Further details from Evan Green-Hughes, Llangollen Railway.
MOQUETTE Llangollen DMU Group is collecting names of persons interested in purchasing replica original-pattern DMU upholstery (green with shell pattern). At the moment only intentions of interest are sought with a view to getting a contractor to price. Please contact Evan Green-Hughes of the Llangollen for more details.
The editors feel that many groups could benefit from a co-ordinated acquisition scheme for moquette. The various classes used many different patterns. All seats need recovering - either now or in future. This expensive aspect of restoration could be made cheaper by pooling of requirements. More than one class may have used the same pattern, unknown to the different groups restoring them. Comments to the editors, please.
- If you can help any of the following groups with their needs or information, please e-mail us at editor@railcar.co.uk
WANTED
Seating -To provide seating for two Class 107 power cars formerly used for Sandite duties we are interested in acquiring seating for approx. 120 people in 2 or 3 seat configuration. My Little Sprinter Ltd.
Class 104 door tread plate - We are in search of an entrance door floor tread plate (that's the metal strip on the floor, in the door recess) with "BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY CARRIAGE & WAGON Co." cast into it. This was removed from the driver's door recess of 53539, we think just after the vehicle arrived at Gwent Demolition for scrapping in late 1995. The same item from any other Class 104 vehicle (or Class 110 if they were fitted) would also be suitable. We wish to either purchase the item or borrow it so we can get replicas produced for fitting. K. Dowd / R. Simpson.
Interior details - We need information and photographs of Class 104 saloon internal decor and seat material patterns (maroon with orange stripes?, as built) throughout their lives, together with B.R.C. & W. works drawings and photographs of vehicles being built. K. Dowd / R. Simpson.
P. A. system - For use in a DMU, or any parts to make up. Dean Forest DMU Group.
FOR SALE
Drawings & Photographs - I have obtained various works drawings and photos of the Metro-Cammell Class 101 and 111 and Yellow Diamond DMUs of which copies will be available at cost to whoever is interested. K. Dowd.
Interior transfers - 1970s style labels
for DMU interiors. These are vinyl replicas. Items include:-
1. Caution do not lean out of the window
2. Alarm, Penalty for ....
3. Buzzer Codes (for cab and van)
4. Lift to
apply brake (cab and van)
5. Track circuit clips
6. Triangular no-smoking
Any money from sales will be used to provide
additional types of transfers. Details Evan Green-Hughes,
Llangollen Railway.
Destination blinds - Llangollen has a supplier for destination blinds who is reasonable.
DMU axle - Non-powered, very little wear. Off 115 or similar Heavyweight - does not fit 108. For sale or exchange. Dean Forest DMU Group.
Batteries - Second-hand traction batteries (lead acid) for DMU. Recovered from scrap DMU but not required due to new set recently given. Dean Forest DMU Group.
ADVICE
A group has suggested the following topics for
discussion:-
Fixing interior leaks
Suggestions on paint for roofs
To start with our thoughts are -
The root cause of leaks is normally ineffective window rubber. Water ingress starts corrosion between body side panels and framework, pushing the panelling out and away from the frame. This further reduces the seal. To effect a proper repair all rust must be removed before fitting new rubber.
Our roofs were last painted using a Micaceous Iron Oxide paint (Bridge Paint!). Two coats were applied in the summer of 1991 and there has been no deterioration. Indeed it seems that they will last for a few years yet.
Please give us your thoughts and any queries you may have.
MY LITTLE SPRINTER COMPANY
Although in working order the 107/114 hybrid set will continue to be improved by its owners and supporters. This includes re-upholstery of many seats, improvements to floor coverings and various mechanical, electrical and body work repairs. Offers of assistance or funds are always welcome with anyone contributing £100 or more receiving an attractive share certificate in the owning company, 'My Little Sprinter Ltd.'