ISSUE 3 - MAY 1996

INTRODUCTION

Since the last issue there has been almost no new input from subscribers. Apologies for the repitition in some of this issue, but we can only work with what we receive. We don't think you would appreciate blank pages! As we have said before, more material is needed and it has to come from you. If your group has not yet supplied anything - now is the time. There must something you want or information you need to aid your work. Also, what about reporting on your progress?

Remember to have your submissions for the next edition ready in time for Saturday 15th June. Running dates and certain other items will be repeated until they become out of date.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?

QUARTERLY JOURNAL Although there appears to be nothing happening on this front, things are still moving (slowly). This is being discussed with the National Diesel Railcar Museum; for further developments watch this space.

NEWS

DMU OPEN DAY As reported last month, 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.

NEW LIVERY, NEW SERVICE! As you may have read in RAIL, Class 101 unit 101 690 is to be repainted in a Caledonian Blue livery. This has been chosen as the new Strathclyde PTA colours and is a modernised version of that applied to the Class 303 "Blue Trains". New features are an orange flash on the cab sides and of course full yellow ends. Cars 51435 and 53177 will also carry the new PTA logo.

The final version of the livery was only decided last week and the repaint has been rushed through to coincide with the inauguration of a new Motherwell to Cumbernauld service. 101 690 was seen in traffic on 9th May having had a C4 overhaul (with a date of 26.4.96 on the inner ends). Bogies and underframe equipment had been attended to but it was still in Strathclyde orange livery. We understand that it returned to Springburn on 10th May for repainting.

The new service will be launched on Sunday 26th May by a special run for the press and invited guests only. On the following day the service will be free. Frequency is approx. hourly. The blue 101 should operate on both days and it is expected that this route will feature some 101s.

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

PRESERVATION

BO'NESS CLASS 126 51043 The SDPS has been concentrating effort on body work repairs. The problem areas were around the windows; most windows and frames had to be removed to allow welding to be done. All windows have now been replaced using new window rubber seal sourced from the original supplier (Beclawat).

Attention can now be turned to the leak-free interior. The vestibule partitions lost during asbestos removal are being rebuilt by a professional joiner.

The target for the summer is to repaint the two power cars into a temporary Rail Blue livery and to attend to the mechanical and electrical systems. This may allow operation as ECS during the SRPS Diesel Gala (23rd - 25th August).

STRATHSPEY CLASS 114 56047 This Driving Trailer has been partially refurbished with new carpets and seat coverings in the first class saloon behind the driver. Work continues to restore the toilet to passenger standard.

To date four charter operations have been booked for the 107/114 set on dates when no trains are scheduled. Charter rates start at £100.

Over the next few months attention will be devoted to operating the timetabled service with improvements to the operational and ex-Sandite set being undertaken where possible.

Offers of assistance or funding are always welcome. In the last three months £3,000 has been raised but a further £3,000 - 4,000 is needed to restore the former Sandite cars and pay off loans.

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

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.