ISSUE 2 - APRIL 1996

INTRODUCTION

Many thanks to those who have again contributed material. As we said in Issue One, we do need to receive material from more groups. You can help by showing your copy to any groups you know that have not taken out a subscription. To reach its potential level of usefulness our subscription base needs to be widened to a larger section of the DMU community.

Remember to have your submissions for the next edition ready in time for Saturday 11th May. Running dates and certain other items will be repeated until they become out of date.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 and would like to know if we have been of use. Has anyone answered your adverts?

NEWS

DMU OPEN DAY On Saturday June 29th the Dean Forest DMU Group are hosting a DMU Open Day at the Dean Forest Railway. All DMU groups are invited to attend this first gathering of like-minded enthusiasts from all over Britain. The normal timetable will be operated by their Class 108 twin unit but there will also be special events and photographic opportunities. In the evening, the day will culminate in a gathering over a fish and chip supper with added beer. For this event the onus will be towards a relaxing, informal meeting of "DMU people". The aim is to improve communication between the many groups now existing to help the sharing of knowledge, information, spares, etc.

In addition to the local bed and breakfast establishments, there is a choice of accommodation available on the Railway itself. Attendees can choose from: a camping tent pitch, a caravan pitch, or a DMU seat (space limited for this option!). If any group would like to set up a display / sales stand, model railway or whatever, please contact Chris Bull to reserve space, etc.

PURCHASES More information from My Little Sprinter Ltd. Sandite set S002 arrived at Boat of Garten during March from Railtrack storage at Millerhill. Vehicles are 977830 (ex-51990 DMCL) and 977831 (ex-52030 DMBS); both in Strathclyde orange & black livery. They are generally complete but the only remaining seating is the row behind the driver's cabs.

SPARES ALERT On April 3rd we received a report that there are two DMU power cars at M.C. Metals. The vehicles are Class 117s: DMBS 51345 and DMS 51415. Status and condition unconfirmed.

• If you can help any of the following groups with their needs or information, please e-mail us at editor@railcar.co.uk

PRESERVATION

WICKHAM PROJECT The project to restore the Wickham two-car DMU 50416 + 56171 is probably the most ambitious ever attempted on a DMU.

This set was converted to a Manager's saloon in 1968 and is one of only five which were built using the box-girder method of construction.

The Llangollen Railway Diesel Group's Wickham Project bought it in 1994 and since then have spent about £15,000 on it. A contractor removed the asbestos (and all of the interior in the process). Since then four brand new doors have been made from hardwood and aluminium to replace those removed when the conversion was carried out. One window has been removed, two further ones reinstated and one doubled in size. Welding repairs have been done to gutters and guard's floor. Much of this work has been done at the Midland Railway Centre by ace DMU restorer Chris Lings. The group has engaged someone to rewire power car 50416 during the summer. The target for 1996 is a roll-out of 50416 in undercoat which will be in its original guise for the first time since 1968.

Interior photos of Wickham cars are urgently sought as the original art deco interior will have to be remade from scratch.

LLANGOLLEN CLASS 105 56456 The Diesel Group have almost completed this car's 'D' exam. 18" of new metal has been welded into the bottom of one side and a new headcode box made and installed. Replacement curly back seats have been fitted and the non-original bar fittings removed.

LLANGOLLEN CLASS 127 51618 The 'D' exam is progressing with many minor faults requiring correction. The brakes will have to be completely rebuilt.

MOQUETTE A Swindon Diesel Preservation Society member has recently (March 1996) obtained the following prices for moquette from John Holdsworths of Halifax, the major (only?) suppliers of transport fabric in Europe.

1. Obsolete designs - £15.20 per metre + VAT; supplied 50" wide. Minimum order 280 metres.

Smaller orders can be taken only if at the same time as another order making up the 280 m. The pattern need not be the same, though the colours must be.

2. Off-the-shelf designs - £16.38 per metre + VAT; supplied 59" wide. Minimum order 35 metres.

Many modern designs; stripes, etc. Some older designs in colours popular today e.g. red. No green designs unfortunately as this is seldom ordered these days.

As the minimum order for an obsolete design costs around £5000, the benefits of pooling an order are obvious!

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.

DMU axle - Non-powered, very little wear. Off 115 or similar Heavyweight - does not fit 108. For sale or exchange. Dean Forest DMU Group.