Issue Number Twenty-six April 15th, 1998
INTRO
Some people have mentioned the inappropriate address for the web site, so we will be changing the URL. As from Saturday 25th April it will be www.railcar.demon.co.uk. The e-mail address will also change to editor@railcar.demon.co.uk.
In earlier editions we mentioned a subscription increase to cover the cost of running the site but we have now decided to cover this ourselves.
Saturday 16th May is the deadline for issue 27 of The Bulletin.
NEWS
3rd NATIONAL DMU DAY
Enclosed is a leaflet from the Llangollen DMU Group containing details of this event. They have arranged accommodation discounts at the Bryn Derwen Hotel. Telephone 01978 860583 and ask for Bob.
PRESERVATION
DEAN FOREST 108
Work has concentrated on the spare DMBS 51914. Many items in the cab have been refurbished, and the batteries have been connected and charged, allowing the various lighting circuits in the cab and front saloon to be tested. A start has been made on painting seat frames. The first radiator has been refitted, as has the cardan shaft to No. 1 engine. The bodywork is being prepared for a repaint in the summer, and the roof has had a fair bit of attention. The group had a trip to the MRC to recover parts during the scrapping of 50987.
WEST SOMERSET 103
DTC 56169 has had 90% of the plywood internal wall panels assembled and fitted, leaving just two half sections to complete. All the cars' ceiling panels have been fitted, and a start has been made on fitting the aluminium beading over the joins.
Site development at Williton will see the unit sub-shedded at the Somerset & Dorset HQ at Washford for about 18 months, displayed in public view.
MID-NORFOLK 122
Steady progress has been made in restoring 55009 since purchase from MC Metals., where it had been internally stripped to check for asbestos, even though it carried plates showing that it was stripped at Vic Berry's in 1987. Renewal of ceiling panels in both saloons has now been completed with all tungsten light fittings and air vents overhauled and refitted.
Mechanically, a damaged cardan shaft has been repaired and a replacement engine, gearbox and heater purchased along with sundry other spares. Bodywork repairs are now underway on side panelling. The roof has been completely stripped to bare metal; small holes filled before priming, undercoating and application of the first topcoat, with the second due in the summer.
WANTED
Photos - we are producing another booklet, this time on Met-Camm DMUs, but we do not have a suitable photograph of an early Met-Camm. If anyone has any decent photographs from the 79xxx series they would be willing to let our group use in the booklet, please contact us. Dean Forest Railway.
Photos - does anyone have any pictures of ADB975426 (formerly 1956 Class 126 79098) which was part of the Bletchley Breakdown Crane until the early 80s? Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.
Information - although they were withdrawn before the TOPS classes were introduced, the Wickham sets are commonly recognised as Class 109s. Can anyone confirm whether the 109 DTCs were allocated Class 146?
Can anyone give details about the Class numbers for the three types of Swindon-built buffet cars for Classes 123/4/6. Again, they were withdrawn before TOPS was applied, but would likely to have received 181/4/7, but which was which? Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.
Handles - we require a pair of guards door internal handles for 55009 - M. Boakes.
Headcodes - we would like to purchase a pair of two-digit headcode mechanisms for future possible reinstatement to 55009 - M. Boakes.
Information - does anyone have any details of 55009's movements or working locations after Laira in 1991? M. Boakes
Drawings / photos - we plan to replicate the original style of exhaust system on pioneer Class 108 E50599. We would appreciate any drawings, photographs, etc. to assist in this matter. Diesel Preservation Associates Limited.
Buffer overhauls - details & telephone number required for a company that will do this work. Dean Forest DMU Group
Class 108 Spares - 2 doors, 2 alternators, luggage racks, some light fittings, 1 voltage regulator, 1 radiator, heaters and EP valves. Nottingham (GC) DMU Group.
Spares and information - suitable for Class 117/108. One type R14 gearbox. Also details of the paint spec. for green livery, engine / transmission manuals. Northampton & Lamport Railway DMU Group.
QUESTIONS
Ozonair Filters - does anyone know of a source for these? They are a metal grille filter used on the heater air intakes on some DMUs. Swindon Diesel Pres. Society.
FOR SALE
Headcode blinds - we intend getting a set of replicas of four-aspect blinds made by T. Norbury and Co. Ltd., Denbigh. Does any other Group wish to have a set made as they are cheaper in bulk purchase? The two-aspect blinds, as advertised in Railcar No. 6, are going to be ordered at the same time, these are very different to the four- aspect. The order will be placed in the early summer. Dean Forest Railway.
STRATHCLYDE 101 DETAILS
101 684: 51509 (b) + 51187 (b)
101 686: 51500 (b) + 51231 (b)
101 687: 51247 (y) + 51512 (b)
101 688: 51501 (y) + 51431 (y)
101 689: 51185 (y) + 51511 (y)
101 690: 51435 (y) + 53177 (b)
101 691: 53171 (b) + 51253 (b)
101 692: 53170 (b) + 53253 (b)
101 693: 53266 (b) + 51192 (b)
101 694: 53268 (y) + 51188 (y)
101 695: 51499 (y) + 51226 (y)
Key: b = black above destination box; y = yellow.
Formica:
Cars have green "weave" pattern except 51431, 51435, 51499, 51500, 51501, 51509, 51511, 51512 (buff "weave") and 51231 and 51253 (plain buff modern).
53268 has blue Formica in the first class saloon.
51499 is the only vehicle to retain its first class seats.
One of the Strathclyde fleet, 51509, still has short rainstrips fitted. We believe that full-length strips were fitted to most cars on refurbishment. Are there any other survivors with short strips? Were any vehicles built with full-length strips?