ISSUE 4 - JUNE 1996

INTRODUCTION

Things seem to be happening in the DMU world these days: this news sheet, the NDRM developments, the main line debut of a preserved unit, a planned 101 railtour and the Dean Forest DMU Day. A few years ago, who would have imagined all this would happen?

Your Railcar reps will be at the DMU Day and hope to travel on the 101 tour. See you there!

One of the aims of the Monthly Bulletin is to help each other obtain materials and parts. Would a list/booklet of sources be useful? Thoughts please.

Remember to have your submissions for the next edition ready in time for Saturday 13th July. Running dates and certain other items will be repeated until they become out of date.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.

NEWS

101 APPEAL RAILTOUR  As part of their fund-raising, the NDRM have organised a railtour using 2 X 2-car Strathclyde 101s. The tour leaves Glasgow Central at 08:30 on Sun August 25th for a tour to Stranraer. Kilmarnock, Ayr, Largs and Ardrossan are also visited and the tour ends up at Glasgow Queen Street via Cowlairs curve.

Fare is £35 (adult), £19 (child). Photo stops and breaks included plus on-board refreshments and raffle. Enquiries and bookings (with SAE) to: The 101 Appeal, 20 Cranborne, East Herrington, SUNDERLAND SR3 3SQ.

DMU OPEN DAY As you should all know by now, the Dean Forest DMU Group will be hosting their DMU Open Day at the Dean Forest Railway in just over one week's time. The normal timetable will be operated by their Class 108 twin unit but there will also be additional services in the morning and evening. Events should start at around 10:30. Contact Chris Bull for any last minute details.

ERRORS ALL ROUND Both ourselves and RAIL managed to get the identity of SPT's new blue-liveried 101 wrong. It was in fact 101 692, not 101 690. We are told that 692 is a regular on the new Motherwell - Cumbernauld service.

SPARES ALERT Six or seven Class 108s that were previously mentioned in Issue 1 as being at Booth's, Rotherham are still there. They are now heavily robbed but still yielding parts.

PRESERVATION

BO'NESS CLASS 126 51043 Thanks to intensive mechanical work done during a week in May the two power cars made their first trip over the line since the 1993 Diesel Gala. This test run on June 8th showed no faults apart from sticking EP valves.

WICKHAM PROJECT Work continues with door fittings and locks being fitted to 50416's new doors.

LLANGOLLEN CLASS 105 56456 Patches welded in doors, PA system fitted, lower bodysides welded.

LLANGOLLEN CLASS 104 Roofs on both cars repainted. 'A' exam carried out. Repairs to exhaust brackets, etc. Brakes adjusted. The unit has now done 1500 miles since entering service only 12 months ago.

LLANGOLLEN CLASS 108 51907 New head gaskets fitted to No. 1 engine after they blew .

ICKNIELD CLASS 122 55003 This car arrived from MC Metals on Jan 19th. Both engines were found to be unusable and have been removed. This will allow degreasing and steam cleaning of the underneath. Two engines have been sourced and should be fitted next month. Both cabs were basically intact when purchased and have since been extensively refurbished.

STRATHSPEY CLASS 107 The newly-arrived Sandite set made its inaugural run on May 6th coupled to the 107/114 hybrid. Work has started on 51990 and will consist of a repaint, roof repairs and replacement of missing seats (when sourced). Funds are still needed and applications for shares (min. £100) are welcomed.

DEAN FOREST CLASS 108 DMBS 50619 has been repainted into Brunswick with small yellow panel, DTC 56492 is in the paint shop right now!

N.D.R.M. Class 111 Buffet 59575 has moved from MC Metals and is now in Norfolk. Due to the presence of blue asbestos it is currently stored at a special registered site.

Class 100 DTC 56317 will be moving to Norfolk from the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. All four 100s are now with the NDRM.

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

WANTED

Spares Window glass and window rubbers (all sizes). Small lamp shades/glasses (5'' hemispherical) for main saloon No 1 end. Door fittings mainly inside door handles/opening mechanisms.

Information Full wiring diagram. Painting specification (green). Photographs of Class 122s (55003 especially) from building to present day. Coolant specification (anti-freeze/water mix etc.). W55003 Group.

(Editors Reply: Any drawings for DMUs of all types can be obtained from Raildata, Drawing Supply Bureau, Itchen House, Railway Technical Centre, London Road, DERBY DE24 8UP; telephone 01332 263685. BR spec. paint is available from T. & R. Williamson of Ripon. The Beclawat range of window rubbers is now made by Percy Lane Ltd.)

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

Spares One BR cat 52/18835 generator and associated Tonum electrical control board (Type S300/T2 serial no. T229518). For sale or exchange. W55003 Group.

Batteries One set of batteries for DMU. Taken off scrap car at Margam. For sale or exchange. Dean Forest DMU Group.

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.

Aluminium extrusion We require a quantity of 'H-section' aluminium strip used in joining Formica panelling. The minimum order for this is twice the amount we need for all four vehicles. Estimated price is approx. 50p per metre. Any groups that may be in need of such material should contact us for further details as the pattern may be suitable for other cars - costs could be shared. Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.