ISSUE 16 - June 1997

INTRODUCTION

Summer is here, in name if not in weather, and it is the season for work weeks. Remember to send in your reports!
Apologies for not including Mark Grimes' address for the new 101 group in the last edition. It is included this month.
Many thanks to those that have renewed their subscription. it shows that we must be doing something right if you are back for another year!
Those that find a form enclosed are still due to renew.
Thanks also to those that returned lists of suppliers. if any others can return one it would be a big help.

Saturday 12th July is the deadline for Issue 17 of The Bulletin.

NEWS

4th National DMU Day - While the Llangollen Railway has volunteered to host the 1998 event, the Williton Traction group on the West Somerset would like to hold the 1999 get-together. they are aiming to get the Park Royal running for this September 1999. Any feedback to Robert Pugh, or too the The Railcar.

Preservation

Great Central 127 - This unit owned by the Red Triangle Society, which was formed in 1983. One engine is out of use, hopefully just requiring head gasket replacement. Problems have also been experienced with no air reaching EP valves, thought to be a blockage or a water-logged system.

Northampton 122 55003 - The Plywood floor panels have been levelled with a latex screed, and a blue flecked lino has been laid in both saloons. All metal floor/door step inserts have also been reinstated.
The roof has been cleaned down to bare metal, re-etched and undercoated using Mason's paints. The guttering has been cleaned out and a drain added to a sagging area.
All floors on no. 1 side have been freed and all window mechanisms overhauled and repaired where necessary. The one jammed door on No. 2 side has been freed. All glass except door glass, has been removed for cleaning and to allow access to the window frame panelling edges. The glass has been replaced by hardboard cut to size.
The frames on both sides have been cleaned, and red oxide and chassis gloss black applied. Both sets pf piping have been fitted back onto the frames.
High side vacuum piping on No. 1 side and electrical trunking on No.2 Side.
The Vacuum cylinder on No. 1 bogie has been disconnected because of a problem with the rolling ring

West Somerset 103 - In May the group was aided by a work party from the Dean Forest DMU group, who had an enjoyable visit. Work concentrated on the first class saloon of the trailer car, with cleaning and painting done. Window frame condensation drip pipes were made and fitted, and a start made on rewiring the interior lights
Earlier problems with the passenger communication cords in the power car have been overcome, with the aluminum recess being modified and fitted. The chains were connected and tested.
A small yellow panel added to the trailer car for the Diesel Gala in May resulting in many many favourable comments

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

WANTED

Engine - Leyland 680 suitable for a Class 108. Any condition as long as it is complete (preferably a runner) or is capable of being rebuilt/overhauled Bitton Diesel Group.

Exhauster - Clayton DMU vacuum exhauster in good condition. Bitton Diesel Group.

Class 108 Spares -Various electrical and mechanical parts including doors, air receivers, alternators, speedo drivers, luggage racks, all light fittings, window glass and rubber, partitions, inspection hatches, exhauster, voltage regulator, 2 radiator, silencer, heaters and EP valves. Nottingham (GC) DMU Group.

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.

Bulbs - Supplier of the red lamp bulbs used in DMU tail lamps. Bitton Diesel Group (try Alite, Gelerd Road, Leeds, LS12 6NS, tel 01532 791791, who supply 24v bulbs of all sorts. Info courtesy of W55003 Group)

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

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

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. (Try ES Engineering 01203 662038 or Avon Transmission Services Ltd 01977 670067. Info courtesy of Dean Forest DMU Group and W55003 Group).

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

Information - drawings from Western and Midland Regions, mainly electrical but also mechanical, for Met Camm and Derby Lightweight DMUs, possibly including the early designs. Engine and transmission manuals and various WR and MR DMU literature, including modifications and standing instructions. Bitton Diesel Group

Engine Components - Most parts available from a Rolls-Royce Class 110 DMU engine that had been rebuilt from a horizontal to vertical configuration. Bitton DMU Group

Class 127 Spares - large quantity available, including new radiators, exhaust flexibles, Stones control panels, torque converter parts etc, No List, just send SAE and we will wee what is there and negotiate. Bitton 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

Questions

Does anyone know what became of John Thomlinson from Manchester, who started up the "British Railways Multiple-Unit Study Group" in the Mid-80's ? Editors