Issue Number Twenty-nine July 15th, 1998

INTRO

It's certainly a bumper edition this month. Could this be the start of something big? Read on to find out!

Does anyone know a G. M. Staddon? He wrote an article a few years back for the railway press on 101s in Scotland and we would like to contact him.

After last month's appeal for preservation pictures - we have yet to receive any. Does nobody take pictures of their vehicles? We would be grateful for any photos of vehicles. 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.

The Railcar depends on participation from the subscribing groups, as will the "nra" when it is formed (see below), but there are times when we get little response to appeals. There is a lot going on at the moment in the DMU world, and to ensure the "nra" is formed to do the functions that you require it to, your participation is required. There are several items in this issue which require feedback, and we urge you to take a little time and fill in the enclosed form. The more response we get the more use the Railcar and the "nra" will be to you!

Alite, in our Suppliers List as suppliers of 28-volt light bulbs, seem to have ceased trading. Some groups are desperately needing tungsten bulbs. Does anyone know other suppliers?

More technical information was asked for at the Llangollen meeting. In the next few issues we will reproduce previous items or put them on a separate sheet. What future technical items do people want to see? Anything you are unsure about? Would you like to know how anything works? Please note them on the enclosed form. Ideally someone could volunteer to do, or co-ordinate, a series of technical sheets. Does anyone want to start them off with a sheet on basic pre-running exams?

3rd ANNUAL DMU DAY

This brief summary is taken from the web site:-

Saturday - The venue for the meeting had to be changed to a bigger room in the hotel as pre-bookings had gone well. In the event an even bigger room could have been used, as the event turned out to be very popular, with about 50 attending from around the country. After the introduction by Evan Green-Hughes from the host railway, Tony Fox presided over the formal part. The main topic was whether or not to form a "national" DMU Group, and the pros and cons of this. A vote gave a unanimous result in favour.

Stuart Mackay from "The Railcar" then gave some information about the possible availability of large numbers of original works drawings, and again all the groups agreed to give their support to a single-group approach to their acquisition.

After a break to visit the bar, the fun began with a slide show, with several people showing their personal favourites, giving a wide variety of interesting eras and areas. Evan kicked it off with slides from the green era, including many prototypes. Mervyn Rogers' were mainly from the all-blue period, and then Tony Fox ran through a good selection in numerical order. Kevin Dowd finished off with a selection taken in the Greater Manchester area.

Although we had run out of time, a few slides of interesting defect book entries were squeezed in. The slide show was enjoyed by all, and really got the banter going. It is amazing how many people can identify car numbers in slides taken more than ten years ago!

Those that wanted to were given a guided tour of the Llangollen engine shed, and then there was a break before the 17:30 BBQ special. Not being restricted to a public timetable allowed the Class 104 to get to Carrog quicker than usual, before returning to Glyndyfrdwy for a 2-hour layover for the food and drink to be consumed, and a group picture to be taken.

Sunday - A nice easy 10am start allowed four return DMU trips. Sets were removed / added at Glyndyfrdwy, where they are stabled. All four car combinations were run, as well as a six car. All the sets ran well and with no technical problems. The trains were well patronised, with many of the general public enjoying them as well.

LLANGOLLEN MEETING

Two important decisions were reached at the meeting - to form an umbrella DMU organisation, and to support a single-group purchase of the drawings being disposed of by Rail Document And Data Services.

National Group

There was overwhelming support in favour of forming a group, which for the moment has the working title "national railcar association" (nra). Ten victims volunteers agreed to participate in the formation committee to get the group up and running. They are:- Paul Ellis, who is a volunteer on the NRM's 108, Mike Evans and Brian Smith from the Mid-Norfolk, Tony Fox and Evan Green-Hughes from the Llangollen DMU Group, Paul Moxon from the Churnet Valley Railway, Robert Pugh from the Williton Traction Group (103), Mervyn Rogers from Pressed Steel Heritage Ltd, and your two editors who also represent the Swindon Diesel Preservation Society.

Objectives that were defined at the meeting :

Formation Committee

• a) establish contact with ALL DMU groups

• b) create a directory for distribution to all DMU groups

• c) support the single-bid purchase of RDDS drawings

• d) develop aims and objectives, a structure and membership arrangements, and propose this to DMU groups.

The "association"

• a) aim to be an organisation for ALL DMU groups

• b) a clearing house for exchange of knowledge, documentation and equipment

• c) co-ordinate bulk purchases (one-off such as moquette, or consumables such as seals and filters)

• d) centralised lobbying, in conjunction with other pressure groups if appropriate (such as slam-door regulations, 101/117/121 disposals)

• e) prepare standard operating contracts and mileage rates

• f) negotiate insurance facilities at a national level

• g) be associated with the Heritage Railways Association (HRA)

• h) develop contacts with NRM, ROSCOs and other bodies of significance

• i) use Railcar as information vehicle

• j) be minimalistic and non-bureaucratic

• k) create a group directory and keep it up-to-date

• l) co-ordinate the annual convention (venue agreed 2 years in advance).

The committee is now working on these objectives, but your opinions and ideas are important as well, especially as not everyone could attend the meeting.

What would you like to see a national group doing? How would you like it to be run? And just as important, what should it be called? Space is available on the enclosed sheet for you. Otherwise, if you know any of the committee, speak to them, or contact the chairman, Tony Fox, 4 The Wytchwoods, Pettaugh, Stowmarket, SUFFOLK, IP14 6TB, Telephone. 01473 890511, e-mail: anthony.fox@which.net.

Drawings

The Swindon Diesel Preservation Society had been in contact with RDDS regarding drawings for the restoration of its vehicles. It found that RDDS were formulating a disposal policy for obsolete materials, intending to put an ad in Rail asking for bids for the material.

• The acquisition of these original works drawings for all DMUs is one of the first priorities of the "nra". RDDS have agreed that if all DMU groups agree, they will be sold as one lot. The "nra" would then become the owners, giving everyone complete access to all drawings and documents, and avoid groups fighting to purchase material relevant to the more popular classes. While many groups will get by without ever having to consult a technical drawing, the drawings have immense historical value, and are invaluable to groups rebuilding an asbestos-stripped vehicle or returning cars to their "as new" condition.

• Groups who attended the meeting filled in a form showing their support for the single-group purchase, and Railcar subscribers who didn't attend should have received one by now. Please complete these and return them ASAP.

THE FUTURE OF THE RAILCAR

As a group, the "nra" will need a method of communication, and as all the topics in the Railcar will be dealt with by the "nra", it is logical that the Railcar simply expands to become the "nra's" voice. Certainly in the meantime, the Railcar will continue as normal and keep everyone up-to-date with the formation committee's progress.

CONTACTS

An item raised at the Llangollen meeting was the need for a complete contact list. Unfortunately in the Monthly Bulletin space restricts us to only having the contacts relevant to items in the current issue. We have enclosed a form for you to fill in, please list all members in your group who would be available "for questioning" when people get stuck, and to note any particular specialist areas. The responses will be compiled and distributed, and also used as the basis for the "nra's" database and future mailings.

PRESERVED VEHICLES

Also enclosed is a copy of our database of preserved vehicles. This appears on the web site and will be used by the "nra", so it is essential that it is kept as accurate as possible. Please check your own vehicles, and any others that you are sure of, and let us know of any mistakes.

SIDELINES

Enclosed is a copy of Sidelines (courtesy of Chris Bull); an information sheet produced by the HRA. Your railway will receive a copy if they are a member of the HRA, but it was pointed out at the Llangollen meeting that these are rarely passed down to the DMU people. We could distribute these with the Railcar, at cost (photocopying and additional postage when necessary), on an individual member basis or by raising the subscription charges for everyone. Let us know what you think.

WEB SITE

For those with computers, but no internet access, we can supply a copy of the web site on floppy disc. As well as letting you see the site, it also contains useful reference material. A web browser is required, but these are free on almost all magazine cover discs. Send 3 floppies and an SAE for a copy.

And now on with the usual stuff!

NEWS

DC KITS

A link has been established with DC Kits that will benefit both parties. The Railcar web site now hosts the DC Kits site, accessible via the Railcar modelling page, or directly at www.railcar.demon.co.uk/dckits. This address will feature in their ads, gaining us visitors. Railcar subscribers will also get special deals on kits: check out the enclosed leaflet for their current offer. Please note that they also have a limited number of original crests (transfers) available at £10 each, and they are in excellent condition.

UNREFURBISHED 101

Potential 101 purchasers please note that Corkerhill car 51509 is mainly in original condition. It has the original style rainstrip, the toilet retains the ceramic hand basin, and the heater intake remains in one of the vestibules. The only "modern touch" is the fluorescent lighting.

PRESERVATION

WEST SOMERSET 103

Interior cab light fittings recovered from EMUs are being refurbished for DTC 56169. Wall panelling has been filled and sanded ready for painting. The first of the luggage racks have been cleaned and fitted. Passenger communication and aluminium recesses and chains have been fitted and tested on the second-man's side. Work has now started on modifying and painting the seat frames. DMBS 50413 remains in running order mechanically, but is without an interior.

The Williton Traction Group have a web site at:- www.btinternet.com/~alex.hunt with some bits on the Park Royal.

GLOUCESTER RAILCAR TRUST

The group's two 119 vehicles arrived at the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway in 1996 after asbestos removal. Initial work was done on tidying up the interior and refitting the Rockwool insulation which was strewn everywhere. Dampness had got into the interior panelling meaning it would have to be replaced. The vehicles were watertight apart from a few window seals. The roof of DMBC 51074 was given a coat of bitumen. 1997 saw attention to the running gear, with all four engines being started and vacuum and air control systems being checked. They were basically sound allowing work to continue elsewhere, although the batteries need replaced. The mild winter of 1997/8 saw work on 51074's body, with some new patches being welded in, and a start on refitting the interior, concentrating on the first-class saloon. Replacement plywood panels have been cut and fitted temporarily to one side. They have a target of Oct/Nov 99, the 40th anniversary of the Class, to get the vehicles into traffic.

WANTED

Information - on WR DMU set numbers pre-79 for historic articles on Class 116/120s. Mac Winfield, c/o Dean Forest Railway.

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. (John Joyce from the Llangollen DMU Group has been in touch with us. He has produced general wiring diagrams which cover all the Blue Square classes, and with a little alteration most others. He should be in touch with you soon.)

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.

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

Light Fittings - 20 Mk I coach circular light fittings, unfortunately no glass light shades. 15 ceramic Eddison (screw fitting) bulb holders, ex-EMU or possibly DMU. Williton Traction Group (103).

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 50982 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.