ISSUE 13- March 1997
INTRODUCTION
The demise of the NDRM has resulted in more than one proposed acquisition being abandoned. One of the vehicles involved is 51321, the last remaining Class 118 car. It would be terrible to "lose" another class in these days of much-increased interest in DMUs.
Is there anyone out there willing and able to take on another vehicle? We do not know exactly what condition 51321 is in but it is surely a viable project. If interested, take a trip to Tyseley.
Enclosed is a form containing your details and stock so that we can check that our records are up-to-date.
Saturday 12th April is the deadline for Issue 14. Produced by John Horne & Stuart Mackay. Contributions to: J. Horne, 25 Somerville Terrace, Murray 7, EAST KILBRIDE G75 0LJ.
NEWS
N D R M
Most of you will, no doubt, have heard about the unfortunate developments surrounding the proposed National Diesel Railcar Museum. For various reasons the scheme has been abandoned. The two-car Derby Lightweight was one of the first units involved in the plans. In fact, the Museum idea developed from the success of the DLPG campaign.
The DLPG have not given up on this unique unit and are currently reviewing plans to ensure that the Lightweight will be removed from Doncaster works for restoration and have a secure future. Further, exciting, developments will be reported on soon.
SPARES ALERT
Booth's of Rotherham have three or four Class 108 axles, leaf springs, etc. for sale. In fact, there were two complete bogies at the yard at the beginning of March. This may well be the "last chance to buy" 108 bits. Those interested should contact Barry Wheatley on 0589 856196 urgently.
THE 101 APPEAL
This is another casualty of the end of the NDRM. Although The 101 Appeal has been wound up, the plans to preserve the unit have not.
The planned railtour of N.W. England has been cancelled but organiser Mark Grimes has not given up.
He plans a relaunched 101 685 preservation scheme, with an annual membership structure and share offer. A members' newsletter will be published. This new independent scheme will have a new organisation and name (announced later this year) and will be seeking location on an alternative line, if successful.
For details send SAE to Mark Grimes, 20 Cranborne, East Herrington, SUNDERLAND SR3 3SQ.
PRESERVATION
SWANSEA VALE 121 55026
The brake van has been completely stripped down; ceiling, sides, doors, etc. A few small roof holes have been sealed.
SWANSEA VALE 116s
Concentrated efforts are underway on cars 51135 / 48 after recent driver training exercises. Engine and gearbox replacement on 51148 is to take place shortly followed by painting into green with speed whiskers in time for running in May.
MID-NORFOLK 122 55006
This is in the final stages of complete restoration and it is hoped to run Yaxham Dereham trains by Easter.
CHURNET VALLEY 104 50517
This vehicle has been internally gutted to allow access to repair corroding bodywork. All accessible body support brackets and the top surface of the underframe solebar have been cleaned up and painted. Entry to the shed has enabled removal of all large bodyside windows so that the surrounding metalwork can be repaired. A number of the "top-hat" sections will need to be replaced before the windows go back in.
On the cab end, the internal guttering above the doors has corroded away to nothing along with some metal above the windscreens. The fibreglass roof will require removal for repairs to be completed.
EAST LANCS 110s
1996 was a quiet year with the unit doing only 600 miles.
EAST LANCS 105s
51485 arrived at the ELR on Feb 23rd. All interior panels were marked by March 2nd, ready for asbestos stripping. 56121 arrived on March 2nd.
STRATHSPEY 107 52030
Work continues and includes floor repairs. It is capable of running although seats still have to be fitted. Expected to be available by July.
WANTED
Photographs & Information - Pictures and allocation details re Bubble Car W55006. Mike Evans.
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.
Electrician - Someone competent to give advice on sorting out Class 107 wiring. Class 107 Ltd.
Photographs - Of 52006 & 52031 in service, possibly as part of unit 107 444 used during the reopening of Kilmaurs and Auchinleck in 1984. Class 107 Ltd.
Interior photographs - Of Class 103 Park Royal units that we could copy. We only have a few taken whilst work was being done to remove asbestos. Any costs will be reimbursed. Williton Traction Group (103).
Electrics - 2 x plug and cables between fire bottle and junction box for Class 116. Glos. Warks. Railway DMU Group.
Ladders - DMU small emergency ladders. Mike Evans.
For Sale
Panel lights - Diesel Unit Preservation Associates Ltd. have found a source of the original style of DMU engine and air/axle lights.
The lights have a blue plastic lens and chrome mounting ring; these fit to the original panel lights replacing the pierced aluminium discs. These are easier to maintain and are more reliable than the original.
Prices are:
Blue panel lens & chrome bezel ring - £2.75 each.
Above plus chrome panel bezel, Edison screw bulb & bulb holder - £4.00 each.
We can also obtain the smaller red domed lens panel light (of the type used for the handbrake warning light) and the same panel light with a blue domed lens for the marker light indicators. These cost £2.40 each.
If you require any of these, please send a cheque made payable to D.U.P.A. Ltd. (see address below).
Lead-acid batteries - We have enough for about 2¸ DMUs. Available for a small donation; buyer collecting. Dean Forest DMU Group.
Fuel gauges - three internal mechanisms with float but no dial. Dean Forest DMU Group.