Issue Number Twenty Eight June 17th 1998

INTRO

We received a letter from the Northampton & Lamport Railway DMU Group who would like to express their thanks to Chris Bull of the Dean Forest Railway for help in acquiring information and spares after an appeal in an earlier Railcar. Glad to see that this sheet has been of use to some!

We would be grateful for any photos of preserved vehicles that you wish to supply. The plan is to add these to the web site to build up an illustrated list of preserved stock. Ideally, photos should be of individual vehicles with details of car number and date taken (preferably recently). Many thanks.

See you at Llangollen!

NEWS

3rd NATIONAL DMU DAY

Not far away now! They have been getting good coverage in the railway press, but in case you had forgotten, we enclose another leaflet from the Llangollen DMU Group to remind you about this event. They have arranged accommodation discounts at the Bryn Derwen Hotel. Telephone 01978 860583 and ask for Bob.

PRESERVATION

RAILCAR ENTERPRISES

Based on the Mid-Norfolk, Class 108 DMC 51572 and DTC 54224 are now fully complete and running services between Yaxham and East Dereham. This has allowed Class 122 55006 to be taken out of service for repairs.

DERBY LIGHTWEIGHT

DMBS 79018 has had all the doors and windows replaced, and the roof and sides painted. A committee has now been formed, which met for the first time at the end of May.

MID-NORFOLK 122 55009

A significant milestone was reached on the 5th May when, after 5 years, No. 2 engine was fired up (with a bit of Easy-Start!). However the euphoria was soon quenched as the water pump leaked badly; the seal having perished. The pump from No. 1 engine has been borrowed while a replacement seal was obtained. These are available from Ford & Slater, Norwich, Tel 01603 621415. They also exchange half pumps (the half with the moving parts), Part No BBU 6637R, for £157.90 + VAT. Preparatory work has now started on the seized No. 1 engine. Mike Boakes would like to thank Brian Smith and Paul Young from the Mid-Norfolk Railway for their assistance with the start-up of 55009.

BO'NESS 126 51043

Bodywork repairs have been done to the toilet area and one side of the van. Both affected windows were refitted with new rubber. Inside, the toilet water tank is back in place and the toilet walls are almost complete. More timber framing has been fitted in the saloons and the sliding doors reinstated to the centre vestibule.

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.

Headcode - we would like to purchase a pair of two-digit headcode mechanisms for future possible reinstatement to 55009. M. Boakes.

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

Drawings - general wiring diagram for Class 122. 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.

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

Vacuum oil/air separators - two, suitable for Class 115. Phone after 7p.m. Railcar Enterprises.

Class 100/119 - Class 100 DTC 56301 and Class 119 DMBC 51073. Offers invited (phone after 7p.m.). Railcar Enterprises.

Class 108 - DMBS 52982 and DMC 52061. Offers invited (phone after 7 p.m.). Llanelli 116 Group.

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.

QUESTIONS

TOPS Classes - 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.

55009 - does anyone have any details of this vehicle's movements or working locations after Laira in 1991? M. Boakes.

Veneer Labels - these were fitted to Class 104 and Class 110 vehicles to inform the public about the type of wood used. Were these fitted to any other Class? Do any survive? Does anyone have pictures of an example? Editors.