Monthly Bulletin 14 - April 1997

ISSUE 14 - April 1997

INTRODUCTION

We voiced our concern in the last issue about 51321 and we are glad to see a group has formed to save this last 118 car.
We hear rumours that Ian Allen have a major DMU project in works, being compiled by Brain Morrison for early 1998 release.
Please note that the address has changed for sending contributions due to changes in our production method.

Saturday 17th May is the deadline for Issue 15 of The Bulletin.

NEWS

First Generation DMU Gruop - This group has been set up with the initial aim of saving the last 118 car. Membership is £10 and includes a bi-monthly newsletter. It also has a seperate appeal fund with shares available for £10. Other appeals funds will be set up for any further purchases. They are also on the look out for a home for 51321 if they are successful. particularly one with a spare DMBS, until they can obtain one.

Pressed Steel Movements - Class 117 DMS 51401 has been purchased from Bletchley in fully operational condition by Pressed Steel Heritage Ltd. this will be paired with earlier purchase 51347 on the Nene Valley Railway forming a (perhaps) unique NSE/green combination!
Class 121 55033, which was in use on the East Kent Railway, has now moved to St Leonards for body overhaul. After repairs it will be repainted into green with yellow panels.

115 On The Move - 51669, 59664, 51849, owned by Suburban preservation, have left the site at County School for a new home on the Colne Valley Railway.

Yet Another Move - Bubble W55003 has been moved to Northampton and Lamport Railway.

3rd National DMU Day - Even before this year's gala the Llangollen DMU group is volunteering to host next year's event on their line. they propose next April or May, when there should be three two-car sets and one bubble available from the classes 104/105/108/121/127. this includes the possibility of a seven car bash on the Sunday. Camping is available next to Carrog station, cheap hotel and B&B deals are available and there is limited accommodation available in the Diesel Group and S&T coaches.
They would be interested in any feedback before deciding to go ahead. Replies to Evan Green-Hughes c/o Llangollen Railway Abbey Road, Llangollen, LL20 8SN; or via The Railcar.

Preservation

Northampton 122 55003 - Both saloons have been completely gutted and rusted areas cleaned or replated. the ceiling has been replaced and lighting refurbished. No. 1 gearbox has had a final drive end seal replaced, and there has been attention to air system.

West Somerset 103 - 56169 has been cleared ready for painting of interior metalwork. work has began to refurbish the cab into its original colour scheme of blue, grey and white. Marker lights are now working. Trouble is being experienced refitting the communication cord recess in 50413.

Dean Forest 51914 work continues in the front saloon panels, original blinds and luggage racks have been refitted, the ceiling repainted and aluminium cleaned. the removal of paint in the cab has exposed the original formica and hardwood surfaces. the "hydraulicked" engine has had the injectors undone and been barred over. this appears to have cleared the problem.

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

WANTED

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

Information - any promotional material or information relating to introduction of first generation DMUs. Also any technical manuals. First Generation DMU Group.

For Sale

Lighting - Complete set of fluorescent strip lights from a car including, tubes, covers, etc. - buyer collects. Dean Forest DMU group.

Panels lights - Diesel Unit Preservation Associates Ltd. have found a source of the original style DMU engine and air/axle lights.
The lights have a blue plastic lens and chrome mounting ring: these fir to the original panel lights replacing the pierced aluminum discs. these are easier to maintain and are more reliable than original.
Prices are: Blue panel lens & chrome bezel ring - £2.75 each.
Above plus chrome panel bezel holder - £4.00 each
We can also obtain the smaller re 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, -lease send cheque made payable to D.U.P.A.Ltd

Lead-acid batteries - We have enough for about 2 1/2 DMUs Available for a small donation; buyer collecting. Dean Forest DMU Group.

Fuel Gauges -three internal mechanisms with floats but no dial. Dean Forest DMU Group.

Answers

To Mike Evans: DMU Guards Ladders. these are made by A. Bratt and Son of Abbeyfield Rd, Linton Industrial Estate, Nottingham (Tel. o115 986-6851) Order by BR cat no. 41/23858.
DMU owners that ladders should be subject to annual safety examinations. Llangollen DMU group

Roof Painting: Being a Park Royal, our roofs are a little different. the cab dome and roof sides are of welded metal construction but the main sections are aluminium. Each panel has been removed and re-riveted and bedded in with mastic. The differing expansions and construction rates of the metals give extra movement causing leaks between panels. We are now trying a rubberised paint. Williton Traction Group.