ISSUE 18 - August 1997

INTRODUCTION

Contrary to the article in the 13th August Rail, Sc 79443 will not be in operation at Bo'ness Diesel Gala. A lack of any brake gear and not an inch of wiring on the vehicle prevents it being passed as fit to travel.

Last month we added telephone numbers to the railway in the running dates section. We avoided the pre-recorded services as enquires are more likely to be about confirming that DMU(s) are operating. If any of these numbers are inappropriate, please let us know.

We also suspect that people may be put off from responding to sales ?wants / queries etc. due to the fact that writing is involved. So as from the next issue telephone numbers will be added to the contact section to try to help things along. Any objections to this (we have some already) please let us know.

Also enclosed this issue is a list of suppliers. this has been complied from the help of those that returned the forms and from details previously printed in these pages. Thanks to all those that took the time to submit details. if anyone has any further information, or finds any errors please let us know. Updated lists will be issued when need be. While this sheet will reduce what can included in this bulletin, which is already sparse at times, we feel that there is a need for it, and we have already had a use for it when we purchasing vinyl lettering for the 126.

Of course we couldn't go without saying we'll see you at the MRC on the 31st.

Saturday 13th September is the deadline for Issue 19 of The Bulletin.

NEWS

2nd National DMU day - This event will be held at the Midland Railway Centre on Sunday 31st August 1997. the line gas a 2-car class 114 and a 3-car Class 127, and also the Derby Lightweight and Wickham sets which are undergoing restoration.
Other attractions are a narrow gauge , miniature gauge and three model railways. Non-railway interest are a road museum, church, country park and canal with walks, and a farm with animals.

National Railway Museum - The NRM will be holding "The Modern Traction Weekend" on the 6/7th September, at which their Class 108 will be on display. It is hoped to have all four engines operational by that time.

Preservation

Eden Valley 107 The Class 107 Ltd's vehicles have minor welding work carried out to the exterior bodywork. The Strathclyde Orange has been rubber down and undercoat painting is in progress ready for the original green livery.

Bo'ness 126 - Since the last mention much of the interior wooden framework has been replaced in the DMBS 51043. The TC 59404 has been reinstated into the set, and the unit made its first run as a 3-car since arrival at Bo'ness in 1993. Last summer one side of the two power cars were painted into all-blue. This year, the sane side o the trailer has been done to match, and work is progressing on the opposite side of 51043. A considerable amount of work has been done to TFRB 79443 particularly to the roof to halt further corrosion. The return to traffic of 51043 is planned for the diesel gala in Autumn 98.

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

WANTED

Parts. For 51321. 7 EP valves of the OFF-SET type, BR Cat No. 15/65430. (These have the holes for the mounting bolts offset and 3 air ports). Also we require the metal frame for the driver's windscreen (Derby standard 3 window front). We are willing to swap for spares we have an excess of e.g. an alternator, an alternator control panel, or some R14 gearbox brake bands. Shackerstone DMU Group

Locking Device - has anyone any ideas on a locking device for the fuel filler caps on DMUs, remembering that the cap itself is threaded? Llanelli & District Railway Society.

Air System - source required for the bellows and valves assembly for cylinder-mounted compressor unloading valves Class 107 Ltd.

Blanking Nuts and filters - for unloader valves. Swindon Diesel Preservation Society

Rubber Discs - for the wheelset leaf spring restraints. Source or rubber specification required. Class 107 Ltd

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 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 see what is there and negotiate. Bitton 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.

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.

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

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 amd 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