Issue Number Twenty-seven May 20th, 1998

INTRO

It has been some time since we heard from those involved in some restoration projects. Indeed, others have yet to supply us with any input. Unlike the press who actively seek out news, we rely on your contributions. Please try to find time away from your DMUs to put pen to paper!

In light of the recent trend to construct replicas locos, how long till one of you suggest building an example of an extinct class?

NEWS

POSTCARD PRINTERS

The Dean Forest Railway have written to recommend Graham & Sons (Printers) Ltd, 51 Gortin Road, Onagh, Co. Tyrone BT79 7HZ (01662 249222) for this work. Chris and the lads are very pleased with the good quality of their postcards and the good prices, £90.25 for 1000.

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

GLOS WARKS 116

DMBS 51134, owned by the Llanelli & District Railway Society, has had both fuel tanks removed to repair a long-standing leak. Now replaced, attention has turned to preparing them for their top coat of Brunswick.

EAST LANCS

Work continues on Class 105 DTC 56121, with the floor of the toilet being replaced, including a couple of new underframe ribs and a steel plate floor to replace the rusted one. New plate was welded to the secondman's side over the Easter weekend, and a start has been made on filling the seams and painting the new metal. The ceiling is complete up to the toilet area which is awaiting the replacement of some wooden framework, before the tank and partitions can be replaced.

Class 105 DMBS 51485 has been moved to Castlecroft for safe storage and to allow assessment of the mechanical repairs.

The Class 110 has seen recent use, including at the Thomas event and providing a shuttle for a Vintage Traction event, and will be see some evening use during the Diesel Gala. It is hoped to use the Wickham railbus as control for the event.

The DMU Group has become a formally-recognised subgroup of the railway, with open membership.

CLASS 107 Ltd

DMBS 52006 has had floor repairs prior to fitting new lino. Hatchcovers, door panelling and Formica have also been renewed. Upholstery has been heavily cleaned. Attention is now being given to the exterior, with the roof and inner ends being repainted. The headcode box blanking plates installed in the '70s were replaced with glass to reveal the original, although somewhat threadbare, headcode blinds.

Recent intensive working sessions on the unit have been sustained by tea breaks and orange Kit-Kats. The joint owners are beginning to worry that supplies of the latter limited edition may soon be running out with a consequent falloff of productivity!

WANTED

Spares - door handles and a destination box indicator suitable for Class 118 51321. Shackerstone DMU Group.

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.

Information - although withdrawn before TOPS was 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 Classes 123/6 buffet cars? Again, they were withdrawn before TOPS was applied but would most likely have received 184/7; but which was which? Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.

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

Handles - we require a pair of guards door internal handles for 55009 - 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.

Photos - does anyone have any pictures of ADB975426 (formerly 1956 Class 126 79098) which was part of the Bletchley Breakdown Train until the early '80s? Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.

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.

EXCHANGE

Luggage racks - we have two 11' 6" lengths of aluminium luggage racking that doesn't fit our 107. We would like to swap this for two lengths of racking 3" wider that has nine of the square section intermediate support bars instead of seven. Class 107 Ltd.

FOR SALE

Class 108 - DMBS 52982 and DMCL 52061. Offers. Llanelli 116 Group (Tel after 7pm).

Single seat cushions - in BR blue/green moquette, 20" x 19" x 5". £5 each, to be collected from Preston or delivered. Class 107 Ltd.

Engine spares - parts available for Leyland TL11 engines. Please contact ASAP. Class 107 Ltd.

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.