ISSUE 19 - September 1997

INTRODUCTION

I was good to put faces to names at the MRC. te 114 and 127 ran faultlessly, hauling a tail load on some workings and running as a five car on the last train. It was hard to tell that one of the 127s had once been a parcels car. Many of us got our first eagerly-anticipated look at the Derby Lightweight and Wickham Unit. the turn out was good but the weather wasn't.
We visited several other railways that weekend, thanks to them all for the hospitality they showed us.
The line up for the next few years is as follow:

1998 Llangollen Railway
1999 West Somerset Railway
2000 Colne Valley Railway

Before we got too carried away it may be advisable to stop and taking any more bookings and, nearer the time, have votes on hosts for future years?
While the 2008 event may seem like a lifetime away, the proposals to have a get together of all surviving bubble cars will take some amount of planning . It may be wise to set things in motion now, organising fundraising for transport costs and persuading all owners to participate. are there any volunteers to form a committee to take care of this?
Many favourable comments were made about the T-shirts we wore at the MRC event. we intend selling these at a price of £12 including p&p. A wide range pf designs are available featuring many classes in 1950s advertisements. more details soon, once the position regarding copyright of the original material is clarified.

Saturday 11th October is the deadline for Issue 20 of The Bulletin.

NEWS

National MET-Cam Group - Enclosed is a membership leaflet for this new group set up to preserve a 101, hopefully to be based on the proposed Aln Valley Railway in North Eats England. Organiser Mark Grimes appeals for information for future newsletters. anything whether it's historical, vehicle details, areas worked, anecdotes, travelling tales or anything felt relevant.

Bournemouth Open Day - There is to be an open weekend at Bournemouth depot on 16/17th May 1997. The NMCG would like a publicity/sales stand at this event but do not have the resources to attend on their own. They propose a "DMU preservation Stand" involving as many groups as possible. With DMU interest growing but still in the minority, the NMCG idea hopes to attract more attention with a "Blaze of publicity" from which all involved in DMU preservation could benefit.
Anyone looking to co-operate in a joint venture, please contact Mark Grimes.

Final 108s Saved - Llanelli & District R.S. inform us of their latest acquisitions. they are DMBS 50982 and DMC 52061, latterly 977816/7 at Margam.

Preservation

Pontypool 108s - Two of the Gwent 108 Group's cars have started running on the Pontypool & Blaeavon Railway. DMC 52044 & DMC 53632 are operating the ½-mile run, having successfully completed trails runs and training sessions.

West Somerest 103s - DMBS 50413 has had cab wiper motors and arms refurbished. Wooden mountings have been made and one wiper fitted. Engine fuel filters have been replaced and both fuel tanks cleaned out.
DTC 56169. Work continues on first class saloon: interior metalwork painted, window drain pipes made & fitted, and ceiling and walls insulation installed.

Edun Valley 107 - Several long-standing electrical faults have been resolved on the starting circuits and both the Smiths heaters have been started for the first time in preservation.

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.

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.

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. Patterns, colours, materials, supplier, etc. Swindon Diesel Preservation Society

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.

QUESTIONS

Injector coding - explanation wanted regarding the coloured spot painted on the Leyland 680 injectors. White, yellow & green have been note - what do they mean? Dean Forest DMU Group.

Livery - details required of the original Brunswick green with whiskers livery for 107s. Cleaning down of underframe paintwork has revealed the dark brown paint solebar of DMCL 52031. Can anyone confirm the exact colour and the extent of brown painting of 107 underframes? When was the brown replaced with black? Can anyone provide a definite list of colours for exterior components? Does anyone have dimensions for the driving end whiskers? Class 107 Ltd.