ISSUE 10 - December 1996
INTRODUCTION
Probably due to the time of year, there was a shortfall of items for this issue. Our apologies for the "lean" edition. Please get writing for number 11. There may not be a lot of preservation progress in the next few weeks but everyone must have something they'd like printed.
The quarterly Journal announced as being published "in the autumn" in Issue 5 is now planned to appear early next year. This idea has now been combined with the N.D.R.M.'s planned publication and so The Railcar Journal will now appear under the Museum's banner. Rather than burst onto the scene as an expensive glossy magazine, the idea is to start at the lower end and build up, through time, to something like that first envisaged. The Railcar will still cover all that is happening in DMU preservation and, having more than two pages, will allow more detailed articles to be used. As requested in the last Bulletin please consider submitting material for Issue 1. This can cover any aspect of DMUs on BR or in preservation and be of any length. Articles about exported BR units particularly welcome! Photographs will also be useful although initially there may not be many featured per issue due to print costs.
Saturday 11th January is the deadline for Issue 11 of The Bulletin.
We wish all a Merry Christmas and here's to a successful 1997 in restoration and operation.
NEWS
HOW TO DRIVE A DMU
This is the title of a new video made with the collaboration of the Llangollen group. Produced by Voyager Film and Video to full broadcast standard, it features an ex-BR instructor who takes you through the full preparation, disposal and driving of a heritage unit. The 55-minute video includes cab views and a number of lineside shots. Cost is ±18.50 and is available from Voyager on 01484 841814 for credit card sales or at P.O. Box 31, Slaithwaite, HUDDERSFIELD HD7 4YP.
An ideal Christmas present for the DMU enthusiast!
101 APPEAL RAILTOUR
Repeating what appeared last time: Following the problems with the aborted tour in the summer, there is, understandably, a reluctance to attempt a future tour. However, organiser Mark Grimes would like all interested in a tour around old haunts and unusual track in N.W. England to write to him, pledging support for this venture. Those responding would receive booking forms before an advert in the railway press brings wider publicity. Due to RRNW unit availability, the tour should be in April, May, September or October. Money raised from this will go towards the purchase of green 101 685. As DMU events like this are few and far between, if you haven't already written, please contact Mark with your views.
PRESERVATION
STRATHSPEY 107 52030
Repaint complete and now moved to Boat of Garten for the winter. Some floor repairs have been carried out as well as deep cleaning. It is planned to install seats over the winter and have it available for the 1997 season.
LLANGOLLEN 127 51618
A full set of new steps and brackets have had to be made. The fire extinguishing system has been overhauled and the brake hangers on the rear bogie are away for re-engineering.
N.R.M. 108s
A regular "Tuesday Night Team" is working on vehicles 51562 and 51922. They have recently successfully started their third engine and are now working on the fourth.
SOUTH DEVON 122 55000
Problems arose when starting the No. 2 engine: the electrics went dead and smoke began issuing from the fuse box! The initial inspection found the fuses and BIS switch to be OK. On dismantling, it was found that the two straps linking the Local and Train control cables 51 and 58 to the battery positive and cables 52 and 59 to the negative, were found to be badly burnt and corroded around the terminal posts.
Through time the nuts on the terminals had corroded and worked loose. This offers a high resistance to current flow, causing serious overheating and eventual failure. The fuse board was rebuilt and all is now well.
WANTED
Communication Cord - We require some of the Aluminium recesses that are fitted where the chain is open to view. Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.
Lights - Information on possible substitute manufacturer of original circular saloon lights on Class 122s. The original manufacturer was J. Stone (Deptford) Ltd, London. South Devon Railway Diesel Group.
Photographs & Information - Pictures and allocation details re Bubble Car W55006. Mike Evans.
Gearboxes - We would like to trace a source of SE4 gearboxes. East Lancs DMU Group.
Gearbox - We require an R14 type gearbox. Northampton & Lamport Railway DMU Group.
For Sale
Shares - ±2,000 worth of shares are available in the N.D.R.M.'s Class 119 51073. Sold in multiples of ±500. Mike Evans.
Glass - all unused. For sale/exchange.
BR Cat. No. Qty. Size (mm)
018/070292 1 5x256x314
143322 1 5x327x330
147030 11 5x320x400
9-147110 1 5x332x340
9-147105 1 5x332x346
9-9-31631 4 5x547x397
18-70281 2 5x545x395
1470072 1 5x624x630
9-148042 1 5x298x340
9-148042 3 5x715x596
152777 4 5x1028x754
151965 1 10x1024x850
W55003 Group.
Brake cylinders - A supplier for consumables is Railway Wheelset & Brake of 280 Bawtry Road, Wickersley, ROTHERHAM. Tel. 01709 542907. They stock rolling rings, sealing rings, neck rings, release valve diaphragms, piston rods, cylinder neck bushes and canvas rod covers. They can also supply vacuum pipes and hose rubbers. Contact: Mike Hart. Information from Llangollen DMU Group.
Answers
To Williton Traction Group (103): There were two types of AEC engine originally fitted on DMUs; these were the A51 and A52 11.3 litre.
The oil filter element originally supplied had BR cat. no. 9/15/55265, AEC part no. AA3308.
South Devon Railway Diesel Group.
To Williton Traction Group (103): Oil filters are probably Crosland 654 but if you remove the one you have and let us know what is written on it we can get a modern match and supplier.
Llangollen DMU Group.
To W55003 Group: Re roof paint. We have had a great deal of success with grey tower paint as used by the CEGB for pylons (this a grey micaceous). This seems to stick to anything and is available from Bromborough Paints of Colwyn Bay. It has the advantage that only one coat is required.
Llangollen DMU Group.
To South Devon Railway Diesel Group: Re Bubble Car Convention. I would be willing to consider the idea and I suggest a Railway obviously willing to give its support and lying within easy movement distance I.e. Severn Valley or Great Central.