ISSUE 38 - April 1999

INTRODUCTION

The appeal for heater material in the last issue got a good response - thanks to you all. Enclosed with this issue are two fault-finding guides and wiring diagrams for those that don't have these. Richard Holland worked with DMUs for many years at Laira Plymouth and sent us "all we need to know about Smiths heaters".

Derek Plyer (55009 Owners Partnership) is offering to copy the CEPS Overhaul and Repair specification for Smiths heaters (revised Oct. '72). This thirty-one page A4 document includes exploded drawings of various parts. He is offering to provide bound copies of this for about £2.50 including postage. Anyone wishing a copy is urged to contact Derek now as he only wishes to make copies once as the process involves dismantling the book.

Derek also mentions that one railway has acquired a great deal of experience working with these heaters. He foresees that there will be a need for various centres of excellence for component overhaul on preserved railways when other sources become increasingly difficult to find. If, within the DMU community, we can organise individual groups to take in work from others and specialise on particular items, this would be of mutual benefit. Although this may appear to cause an increased workload, time and effort will be saved on the components that you send away to others, and also eliminates the need to learn everything about everything!

Michael Scudamore contacted us by e-mail, also offering heater material, although his return address did not work. Thanks Michael, but we have all we need now.

John Payne (Bitton Diesel Group) sent in a list of documents he has that could be copied - this is enclosed. Items would be copied at cost, plus postage.

He also mentions that he attended a Rolls-Royce C engine course a few years ago, has operated a fleet of RR- powered diesel-hydraulic shunting locos, and is a major shareholder in a Sentinel diesel-hydraulic which has given him access to spare parts suppliers, etc. He is willing to act as a specialist advisor to the TRA, if any group with RR vehicles needs assistance.

Many thanks to Jim Poor for all the scans of photos that he has sent to us.

While many magazines continue to give Brian Morrison's book glowing reviews, it was good to see Rail Express printing a reply to BM's comments by the reviewer, Eddie Knorn. BM has a copy of the list we compiled, and Ian McDonald (55001/3) states that "the issue is nearly sold out and a reprint in the offing. If it goes ahead Brian will incorporate those of the 'corrections' he sees fit."

Saturday 15th May is the deadline for Issue 39 of The Railcar.

"The Railcar Association"

As advised last month Railpart sent out details of special deals on some of their items. We'd like to hear if anybody dealt with them and how they got on.

Contacts

Updates for Advisers contact list:

Add John Payne (Bitton Diesel Group) as Rolls-Royce engine specialist. Details in contact section.

NEWS

CLASS 104 ON THE MOVE Class 104s (DMBS 50479 / DMC 50531) have moved from Oswestry to the Telford Steam Railway Trust site at Horsehay, Telford. The move was made so as to gain a secure site along with a Society that is actually looking forward to using them. The move, after a delay by the haulier, was on Maundy Thursday.

PRESERVATION

DEAN FOREST 108 Work continues on the spare DMBS 51914. The front buffers have been replaced, with the whole of the buffer beam repainted. Miscellaneous interior work goes on, including sealing and polishing the floor. The four-character headcode box has been fitted along with its varnished wood cover and more components have been reinstated to the cab. Electrical work continues, checking and testing circuitry. This car was connected to the working set, without its engines being started. There was no success in creating vacuum, until it was discovered that 18" of pipe was missing! Once repaired, both brake cylinders operated correctly. After connecting the jumpers the three-car unit was able to move up and done the yard, and they were able to drive from the unpowered 51914.

LLANGOLLEN RAILCAR GROUP Work has started on the 108. Repairs consist of some welding on the vehicle ends, alterations to the water system in the toilet, some reupholstering of the power car (i.e. the seat backs), cab refurbishment and a full repaint. If all goes according to plan the job should be finished in June. Report on the welding from John Joyce: "'Not much of a job' Evan told me, well it has turned out a bit differently. Steel ends on an aluminium vehicle makes a good recipe for electrolytic corrosion. I am learning to weld and fabricate body panels the hard way!! (i.e. here's some metal, a coach and a MIG welder, now get on with it) Results are looking promising, although the trailer cab is turning into something of a nightmare."

The unit will stay in blue/grey. The paint details from T&R Williamsons are: Rail Blue BR Spec 81, part no 207, undercoat dark grey 151. Rail Grey 206, undercoat light grey 152.

TELFORD 104 Both cars made several trips (separately!) up the line after arrival. Already, several people have offered physical support to finish the work off, most of it is cosmetic now. While they were expected to be in service over Easter, there was a delay due to a damaged air pipe directly over a bogie. This is not an easy place to access and had to have a new piece of pipe made and fitted. Frank Nicholas believes that the pipe was damaged deliberately whilst at Oswestry.

DMC 53531 at Telford
DMBS 53479 at Telford
The 'main' line rises from the right from Horsehay & Dawley station before climbing to Heath Hill Tunnel. At this point, the gradient is rumoured to be 1:40 ish, so the units will have to work hard to climb the gradient from a standing start.

The cars have been rostered to run five days this year. Initially accommodation will be in the DMBS, with the DMC becoming available as repairs to the bodywork and panelling are completed.

RAILCAR ENTERPRISES Met-Camm buffet car 59575 is not looking too good at the moment due to the overzealous asbestos contractor syndrome. All the timber framework was also removed, although happily all the Formica panelling has been set aside safe & sound. Matthew Smith has helped with the collection of necessary parts by providing two end corridor connections and the original seats were found in a vehicle at Chappel & Wakes Colne. Just now just the doors are being replaced and the ends sealed whilst work concentrates on Class 119 DMBC 51073.

WANTED

Battery Isolation Switch. Railcar Enterprises.

MTK Kits - does anyone have any of these lying about their cupboards unbuilt, or willing to sell finished models? We occasionally have people contacting us looking for them, and just now someone is looking for Class 100 Gloucester and Class 103 Park Royal sets. Editors.

Photos / drawings - Prints or (preferably) slides of Classes 304, 305 and 308. Also scale drawings or plans of ScR 303 and 311s. DC Kits.

Bogie drawings - Has anyone any drawings for the Class 108 driving bogie, re: arrangement of braking system?

Drawings are DE46302, and complimentary DE35459.

Also for the 108 Trailer cars, either DE34820 and DE35395 or DE35974 which is for the more modern bogie design.

We are also interested in any details of brake bushes and their relevant hardness, for our bogie rebuild project. D.M.U. Group (WM).