ISSUE 11- January 1997

INTRODUCTION

Probably due to the time of year, there was a shortfall of items for this issue. Our apologies for the "leaner" edition. Please get writing for number 12. There may not have been a lot of preservation progress in the last few weeks but everyone must have something they'd like printed.

We have had some groups asking to be included in the contact list at the back of The Bulletin. The purpose of this list is to feature groups who wish to be contacted regarding items in that issue. Due to space restrictions it is not possible to list all groups subscribing. However, we hope to have a supplement with a future edition that will detail all groups. With the next issue you will receive a form containing your own details and stock so that we can check that our records are up-to-date. Please return if any changes are required or if you do not want to appear on the list.

As we near the end of our first year, some may be wondering about subscriptions for 1997/98. Production costs incurred have been less than expected and, as a result, all subscriptions will be extended until further notice.

Some contributors may have noticed that we do not print all details supplied. We generally omit planned work from the Preservation section with the exceptions of long-term or major plans or targets.

Plans may change or fall through and this also avoids repetition when the work is done.

Saturday 15th February is the deadline for Issue 12 of The Bulletin.

NEWS

N.D.R.M. ARRIVALS

In December 108 unit 51572 + 56224 arrived at the Mid-Norfolk Railway from the East Kent Rly. It is in very good condition, only requiring one engine and attention to some water-damaged ceiling panels.

Also now on site are:

Class 119 51073

Class 100 56301 os-free vehicle is to be cosmetically restored in the short term.

Class 122 55009

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 present for the DMU enthusiast!

DRAWINGS PRICE RISE

In past issues we have given the address of R.D.D.S. at Derby for enquiries regarding original works' construction diagrams and drawings. Up until the end of last year these were available at a cost of ±13.50 each. On placing a recent order it was discovered that the price has shot up to an incredible ±65 per drawing !

These drawings can be of great value to those restoring vehicles to original condition. How many of us can afford to pay this inflated price? How can this be justified when these drawings can be of little present-day commercial value? See earlier Bulletins for the address to send your complaints to.

PRESERVATION

LLANGOLLEN DMU GROUP

In 1996 the group worked 87 turns and covered 3,400 miles in the season without any late or missing departures. A total of 334 volunteer days were worked with about another 60 days of paid labour.

The Class 104 covered 1,905 miles and the 108 1,495 miles. The Class 127/105 was undergoing a 'D' exam and body refurbishment and was not available for traffic.

Congratulations are due to John Joyce who has passed as a DMU driver after three years' training.

The Llangollen Railway has now begun community services in the evenings which will operate on a Saturday once a month.

N.D.R.M. 122 55006

The main saloon is now fully finished including side and ceiling panels and window surrounds. The car is painted in green with speed whiskers and is hoped to be in service by Easter.

DEAN FOREST 108 51914

Work has resumed on this spare power car. Missing brake gear has been prepared for refitting. The engines have been barred over, however No. 1 engine is suspected as "hydraulicked". The first saloon is being rebuilt with original tungsten lighting.

WANTED

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.

Relay boards - As used to control engine and air & axle lights. Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.

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.

Trivia

Further information regarding Cravens power car M51729: part of it was in use as a store in a yard next to a Great Yarmouth station.

The yard belonged to a North Sea oil company and the section had apparently returned from offshore use on an oil rig!

In July 1967 there was an announcement of an interesting joint venture involving Rolls-Royce and a Class 123 unit. Who can tell us more about this?