ISSUE 30 - August 1998
INTRODUCTION
Questions were asked about whether the Class 127 still existed at Rogart on the Far North Line. Enclosed is a copy of the owner's advert for the "Unique Highland Hostel". The accommodation is actually two Mark II coaches, the 127 (still in its parcels form) is parked alongside, presumably used as a stores van.
The Dean Forest have informed us that the headcode blind order has now been sent off to the manufacturer. They will contact groups involved on delivery.
Last issue we enclosed a copy of Sidelines. We said we could distribute this with the Railcar, on an individual member basis or by raising the subscription charges for everyone. As yet nobody has indicated that they would like it. Shall we presume that this idea is a non-starter?
Saturday 12th September is the deadline for issue 31 of The Bulletin.
"nra"
The formation committee plans its first meeting at the National Railway Museum's Modern Traction Weekend on the 5th/6th September, at which the Class 108 will be running..
The following is a summary of the responses to last month's questionnaire.
Names - British United Traction Association, National Multiple Unit Association, Railcar Association, Multiple Unit Society, Central Diesel Railcar Committee, National Railcar Association (4), DMU Preservation Society, Diesel Railcar Association, Heritage DMU Association, Railcar Operators Association.
Several comments have been received about including DEMU and EMU groups in the "association". This may have a bearing on a suitable name.
Technical Information - Major Renewals e.g. engine change, final drive dog change; alternatives to the Graviner fire protection system; details of workings of major components which could be built up into a useful booklet.
M. Owen (Class 107 Ltd) will write an item on R14 gearboxes, and Gary Sutcliffe (ELR) has volunteered to compile the sheets if topics are provided. We will pass items on to Gary, starting with items from the Dean Forest and Llangollen on starting procedures and faults and failures. We also have a more detailed article on fitting a PA system to a DMU from John Joyce (Llangollen).
Comments on "nra" - number one aim should be to agree a constitution. Other aims should be: acting as a national pressure group; archive collection; notification of vehicles being scrapped; keep organisation simple; information / knowledge exchange; maintaining the contact list; professional-looking organisation - but don't forget we're here all to enjoy our hobby.
Drawings: safeguard access, with agreements involving custodians, in case of a breakdown in the relationships within the association; should be scanned and distributed on CD-ROM to protect the original and facilitate selective printout of relevant sections from large drawings.
Pooling of purchases for small items such as filters would not be a good idea while they are freely available.
Mileage contracts are a little optimistic.
We would still welcome more feedback, especially for the contacts list, and any comments on the above - whether you agree or disagree.
NEWS
NMCG FOLDS Sadly, the National Metro-Cammell Group is no more. Due to the work commitments of organiser Mark Grimes and also lack of sufficient interest in the Group's aims, he has taken the decision to abandon the plan to buy a Class 101 DMU.
PRESERVATION
WEST SOMERSET 103 95% of DTC 56169's interior wall panelling has been fitted, filled, sanded and painted in undercoat. 80% of the ceiling panels have been fitted together with the aluminium beading, painting is about 30% complete. Work is now concentrating on the fitting of the toilet compartment and the refurbishment of the driving cab. The planned move to Washford did not take place.
DEAN FOREST 108 51914 Electrical work done includes refurbishment/installation of Control Isolation Switch and marker light panel components and repair of wiring harnesses. The control circuits have been connected up and tested. DMBS 50619 has been coupled up to 51914 to test the controls. Apart from a minor problem, everything could be operated from 51914.
The coach has had a full repaint into lined green livery by a squad led by Chris Lings and Lee Sharpe. All rot was cut out of the cab area and inner end and new metal welded in as part of the preparation. Layers of old paint work were sanded down and filler applied before the repaint began.
LLANGOLLEN DMU GROUP The Group, through its Wickham Project arm, has been able to step in and secure the future of the unique Gloucester Class 100 two-car unit (DMBS 51118 + DTC 56097). The set was transferred to the Midland Railway Centre at short notice under special permission from H.M. Railway Inspector. Work started the following week to remove asbestos and should now be complete. The Gloucester has suffered very badly from years of neglect and will need considerable work to completely restore. Priority is likely to be given to the power car which will need extensive re-panelling.
At Llangollen the Class 104 DMBS 50447, which is used as a stores and mess van, has been repainted in early BR green with cream lining as part of a campaign to tidy up non-service vehicles. DMC 50528 is having new interior panelling and upholstery fitted to the second-class section. It is hoped that the 104 will be back in traffic for October.
The 105/127 hybrid (56456 + 51618) is back in regular service following its earlier engine transplant and has covered some 200 miles since the incident.
Class 108 DMBS 51907 is having one of its alternators rebuilt although a source of parts for the CAV AC8 is proving difficult to find.
The Group has a micro-processor-equipped heater control on trial which they hope will be more reliable than the electronic types used by BR. The unit fits in a standard heater box.
EAST LANCS The Class 110 ran three evenings during the recent diesel extravaganza, a lot cleaner on the Tuesday and Wednesday after a couple of blocked filters were replaced on the air intake side.
The 105 had the engines, filters, batteries, oil and coolant checked and on 26th July the engines were fired up. Work on the trailer has seen wooden formers being placed ready for the windows to go back in on the secondman's side.
The Wickham was used as the control during the diesel event.
WANTED
Control box - fire circuit control box, suitable for a Class 108 No. 2 engine. NRM DMU Volunteer Group.
Corridor connection - 1 short BS DMU corridor connection in operational condition. Wiliton Traction Group.
Linoleum - about 25 feet of good condition plain (rail?) blue linoleum. Wiliton Traction Group.
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.
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.
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.
Luggage racks - 2 Class 101 racks (square aluminium tubing). Williton Traction Group.
FOR SALE
DMU lettering - we now produce a range of self-adhesive lettering targeted at DMUs, locos and coaches. Initially the range will be built to specification with an emphasis on the Rail Blue era, with numbers, data panels and double arrows, etc. As all orders are built to individual spec., the number sets come as one panel with no lining up of individual characters required. The company can also supply all types of sign, banner and graphics, including car stickers.
For a quote or for more information, contact Alan Deans on 01292 671767 (FAX 671867) or write to P.S. Business Promotions, Ladykirk House, Shawfarm Industrial Estate, Skye Road, PRESTWICK KA9 2TA.
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.
QUESTIONS
55009 - does anyone have any details of this vehicle's movements or working locations after Laira in 1991? M. Boakes.
NEXT ISSUE : 16th September 1998