ISSUE 15 - May 1997

INTRODUCTION

For those that started their subscription with issue 1, it is now time to renew. that means you: if there is a renewal form included. Please note that due to banking charges we were paying, we have closed our account. Cheques should now be made payable to John Horne. We hope that you have found the Railcar to be use so far, if not let us know how it can be improved! Remember that the address for sending contributions has changed, as on the back.
A frequent request at the Railcar is for sources of materials and spares. We thought it would be useful if we compiled a list of contacts for anything relevant to DMU restoration. We've included a form with this edition and we'd be grateful if you could complete it and return it when you submitting your material for the next issue. this information would be compiled into a sheet/booklet and distributed free with a future edition of the Railcar

Saturday 14th June is the deadline for Issue 16 of The Bulletin.

NEWS

New 101 Group - The National Metro Cammel Group has been formed from the ashes of the NDRM's The 101 Appeal. Mark Grimes independent project project has aim of preserving a 3-car unit on a line in the North East of England. The NMCG is to offer the opportunity to own shares in addition to annual/life membership. Shares are £20 or £100 and annual membership os £10. First newsletter is to be ready from June. A North West railtour is planned for 1998 (depending on support). In the event of the apeal failing to save a unit, monies will be refunded.

Preservation

Swansea Vale DMUs - The Llanelli & District Railway Society unit ran successfully on the first running day of the season. Repainting should be finished for the end of May. work has stooped on 55026 while this is done. there will be an official inaugural run of 51135/48 on 7th June, leaving Six Pit Jct at 11:00.

Lakeside DMUs - The 110 is running well and it is believed this has the highest power to weight ratio in the country (including the 158s!). this unit is available for charter work. In contrast, the line's 107 52029 has not, so far, been used despite having been withdrawn from BR in working order.

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

WANTED

Information - On curtains as originally fitted to Swindons DMUs. Patterns, colours, materials, supplier, etc. Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.

Electrician - Someone competent to give advice on sorting out Class 107 wiring . Class 107 Ltd

Formica - To replace the material that was damaged during the asbestos inspection at Gwent. To try and minimise costs, we wonder if there are any other groups needing this. If so, a larger order could be placed for off-the shelf or specially-made patterns. There was a huge variety of patterns and colours used in DMUs, but we have some leeway in that we could use the original colours or the "as withdrawn" style. If anybody is anticipating buying Formica now or in the future, please contact the group or The Railcar. Gloucester Railcar Trust.

Gearbox Spares - R14 Gearbox and any other spares such as gear trains, brake bands, etc. Is it still possible to purchase spares commercially? Gwent 108 Group.

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, please send cheques 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.

Trivia

In issue eleven we asked whether anybody knew of a proposal involving Rolls-Royce and an Inter-City unit. In the September 1967 Modern Railways there is a mention that the BRB had approved testing of a Rolls-Royce Dart gas turbine engine in a Class 123. this class was selected as the cars are mounted on B4 bogies. No further details are known as to whether the trails went ahead. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.

Answers

To Mike Evans: Original GRCW works photos are in Gloucester County Council Archives. Copies can be ordered from them, but one of our members has take photos of the originals and we have the negatives for the Class 100, 119, 122 vehicles. He will provide prints for a small contribution to our funds and for a lot less than the £7.50 per print that the Council charges. Contact Nick Lander, 9 Parkwood, Elmley Castle, Nr Pershore, Worcs. WR10 3H. Gloucester Railcar Trust.