ISSUE 50 - APRIL 2000

INTRODUCTION

Fifty issues! Did anyone think that we would get this far? Thank you all for your support over the past four years, and for your contributions; without which this would not be possible. Keep it coming!

Saturday 13th May is the deadline for Issue 51 of The Railcar.

THE RAILCAR ASSOCIATION

The enclosed list details the current condition of the Longsight 101s. Thanks to Paul Moxon for these, who also notes:

1) All units have quite badly stained/discoloured interior anodised aluminium window surrounds (compared to the Scotrail ones seen)
2) All units have refurbished orange formica vestibules/doors, (except one car of set 653)
3) All units have refurbished (plain white) interior formica in the toilet area, (except one car of set 653)
4) All units have fluorescent lighting fitted in the passenger saloons.
5) All units have 'Regional Railways' blue seating (a blue with small paler blue/grey flecks)(Some units have odd seat squabs & backs in various NSE colours fitted, in odd places)
6) Some units have what appear to be long patches on the outside of the bodies that run between the passenger doors, just above the sole bar. (Is this the way they were built, or is it just a bodyside patch like on many Mark1 coaches?)
7) Most units have patchy rust to the exterior roofs, although I have tried to indicate where the roofs are actually leaking into the saloons.
8) The power twin sets appear a lot more 'tired' (mechanically & interior) than the power/trailer sets.

Most groups should now have been contacted by Tony re. their purchasing requirements. If you have not yet noted your intentions for acquiring a 101/117/121 please contact Tony ASAP (anthony.fox@which.net, tel: 01473 890511).

Details are also being sought for the 117s, and it is worthwhile to note that MoD contractors have been trained to fire up certain 117s and move them around the yard periodically...

NEWS

NEW DMU BOOK Ashley Butlin has released an up-to-the-minute DMU disposal book. As well as withdrawal dates, disposal agents and cutting dates it has much more useful information. The dates of delivery are listed as well as all renumberings (with dates) and departmental vehicles. Preserved vehicles get their own section with locations both current and previous, and moving dates. The book covers every DMU/DEMU from the pioneering prototypes from pre-nationalisation times to vehicles which are still to be delivered. A useful section lists the few vehicles remaining in Angel Train Contracts Ownership — the vehicles we are interested in buying!

The book is A4, 72 pages, and has a soft cover. It costs £7.95 including P&P from the publishers: Coorlea Publishing, Beech House, London Road, Washington, Pulborough, WEST SUSSEX RH20 4BA.

FIRST NORTH WESTERN UNIT FAREWELLS As you may have seen or heard already, FNW are planning a few specials to see out the old stock in May.

Definitely planned is a tour from Manchester to Clacton (via London Liverpool Street) on the 13th using three 309s.

Other unit "rumours" on the uk.railway newsgroup (as at 16th April) are as follows:

Green 101 685 will operate the Blaenau Ffestiniog branch Mondays – Fridays during the period 15th – 26th and will carry a headboard. This unit will later operate between Manchester Victoria and Clitheroe all day on Sunday 28th on 150th anniversary specials organised by Ribble Valley Rail Users Group.

Subject to "mileage considerations" there may be some 305 use on Manchester – Hazel Grove on Sats 6th, 13th and 27th and Manchester Piccadilly – Hadfield on Sun 8th.

Possible 2 x 309 on 17:16 Manchester to Birmingham and return and additional 22:35 Crewe – Manchester on Sat 27th.

101 MOVE 101 665 is due to move to Shoeburyness for storage. It has been cannibalised at Longsight and is not a preservation prospect.

101 TRAVELS On Saturday 25th March, two of Longsight's 101 sets (657 and 660) worked the 12:46 2T03 Piccadilly to Horwich Parkway, ran ECS to Bolton, then worked the 2T64 13:58 Bolton - Horwich, ECS to Preston CS. They then worked 17:15 2T05 Horwich Parkway to Manchester Piccadilly, and ECS to Longsight (guessed to be a Footex to Bolton Wanders' new stadium for the Bolton v Port Vale match.) Thanks to Paul Moxon and Kevin Dowd for this.

117/121 LATEST Re. details of 51400 in the last issue: from a source at Bletchley, Ian McDonald informs us that it was 55031 that had the hydraulically locked engine, not 51400. It has since been changed.

Ian also reports that L702 ran six return trips on Saturday March 18th starting with the 09:26 ex-Bletchley. It actually stood in all day for a failed Sprinter! The Sprinter had started the diagram but failed outside the depot. That return trip was cancelled and the Class 117 stood in.

Saturday 15th April 2000 was the first run of two Silverlink painted Class 121s together. 55027 & now 55029 are in full Silverlink colours. They took over from a failed Class 150 on the 1017 ex Bletchley and ran for the rest of the day.

PARTS & SUPPLIERS

TYRE TURNING The Dean Forest DMU Group required their newly-obtained DTC to have its tyres turned. After shopping around the country for prices, the cheapest quote was from EWS. Contact Ray Green, Room 27, Crewe IEMD, Wistafton Road, CREWE CWR 7RL. Tel 01270 533991.

WATER HEATERS Mathew Smith recently bought new water heaters for 107 DMBS 52005 and has passed on the following:

Some 107 vehicles were fitted with Clayton Dewandre QH17-R water heaters in the passenger saloons. Clayton Heaters Ltd. have now taken over the heating side of the firm, and the new specification for 107s is QLF2602.

For 101s fitted with water heaters, these were called 'DELANAIR' (this firm is no longer in business) and the new spec. is QLS 2615.

Both types are £81.76 (inc. VAT). Clayton also do other types as well and two-speed (cab heater) is an option on all heaters for around £5 more.

The contact is Steve Parker, Tel. 024 7669 1916, Clayton Heaters Ltd., Fletchworth Gate, Burnsall Road, COVENTRY CV5 6SP.

PRESERVATION

BATTLEFIELD LINE For most of the season 116 DMBS 51131, 117 TC 59522 and 118 DMS 51321 will be running as a blue/grey 3-car set. Bubble 55005 is still undergoing repairs. It needs loads of body and roof work. The whole of the brake floor has suffered from metal moth and needs replacing. A repaint into green will complete the repairs. Provided there are no immediate problems with the other set they hope to be finished by the end of the year, so it can be used for any new year's services that they may get.

EMBSAY 107 DMC 52031 has received substantial attention over the winter, primarily to brakegear and fire system. The saloon has also had floor repairs carried out and new lino fitted. Both cars re-entered traffic in the February half term week when a good number of passengers were carried. They benefited from some good weather at a time when a lot of attractions, including many other heritage railways, were shut.

Sole surviving 107 trailer coach 59791 has arrived at Bolton Abbey and it is hoped to have the additional carrying capacity available for the summer. Last year there was overcrowding during popular Thomas days when the set ran as "Maisy" the diesel railcar. There was near hysteria at Stoneacre Loop when the crowd of young passengers saw Thomas approaching whilst the 107 waited to pass on the single line!

KEITH & DUFFTOWN 108 The vehicles arrived safely and some of the owning group (DUPA) have been up to get everything up and running and a couple of runs were made along the line. Some last-minute maintenance was also carried out whilst there: the air seals in the final drive pistons were replaced, as they had been able to trace the final drive troubles to these parts, with the help of the comments which were published in earlier issues and some subsequent investigative maintenance.

They are also very grateful to Pressed Steel Heritage for supplying them with some replacement final drive piston seals at very short notice as they had none in stock and could not get them in time.

Later some further running was done and four of the K&DR's drivers were trained. They seem very happy with everything.

The only other modification necessary was to remove the boards from the radiator grilles, since the 1-in-60 gradients on the line made these unnecessary! This was also a good leg-stretching for the unit, which has covered very few miles since leaving Old Oak Common.

MID-NORFOLK 100 The external restoration of DTC 56301 has now been completed and it is now displayed at County School station in early rail blue with small warning panel (good choice! - Ed). Once the weather has improved she will be given a final coat of gloss paint (should it not be a matt finish? - Ed) and the final details will be added (double arrows and numbers). The internal restoration will start once the tungsten lighting equipment has been delivered from safe storage with Railcar Enterprises.

Although 56301 is not intended to return to operational service in the near future this option is being kept open and the running gear is to be returned to operational order.

CLASS 309s

Following last issue's Class 309 diagrams, we have been asked to print this letter from Chris Luff:

"I am writing to see what response and interest there is in the possible preservation of a Class 309 unit. I have been in contact with Angel Trains, and opened a dialogue with them, but at the moment, as far as I know, I am on my own. I am very keen to see one of these units preserved, so initially I would be very grateful if anyone interested could let me know by e-mailing me at chrissluff@aol.com (or write to 18 Recreation Road, Colchester, ESSEX CO1 2HE).

Furthermore, without any formal commitment necessary, I would encourage anyone interested to write to the Railway Heritage Committee, who have already been successful in securing a Class 303 unit. Bearing in mind the 303 is a suburban unit, I believe there is scope to go for a mainline AC unit as well, i.e. the 309.

Time is potentially very short — there are six units in existence from the original fleet of some 20- odd. First North Western are replacing all their Mark 1 stock this year so as new trains come into service, the 309s will gradually be replaced.

The address for the RHC is: Railway Heritage Committee, 66 Porchester Road, LONDON W2 6ET.

I have written to them myself, and they are very amenable to suggestions — I received a reply within days. Please let me know if you are interested. At the moment, these are tentative enquiries, and if no interest is shown, very little will happen."

• If you can help any of the following groups with their needs or information, please e-mail us at editor@railcar.co.uk

WANTED

Vacuum Pipes - Anyone know of any reasonable suppliers? Railcar Enterprises.

Batteries - has anyone a good set of batteries that they could sell? Railcar Enterprises

Luggage Racks - suitable for a Class 117, several of each different size required, to complete the restoration of DMS W51402. Northampton & Lamport Railway DMU Group.

Manuals - we have recently acquired a John Fowler 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic loco which is fitted with a Leyland Albion Series 900 engine which drives through a torque converter a single-speed modified Fowler gearbox/final drive unit. Has anyone got any service, maintenance and spares manuals for this type of engine for sale or to loan to assist in the restoration of the loco to full working order? Northampton & Lamport Railway DMU Group.

Free-wheel bearings - K&WVR DMU Group.

Photographs - Has anyone out there got photographs of DMUs on the pier at New Holland, or East Halton and Barnetby areas in Lincs.? I have fond memories of DMUs in these area from my childhood. Stan Acaster, c/o Dean Forest DMU Group.

FOR SALE

Final drives - Wabco (ex-RFS Engineering Ltd) at Doncaster have three overhauled RF28 final drives left in their stores. Please contact Paul Grayson on 01302 790050. They are anxious to dispose of them soon to make space. (Thanks to Class 107 Ltd for this).

BR flashing red LED tail lamps - we have a number of these and if there is sufficient interest we will fit new batteries and supply complete for £30 each. This is considerably cheaper than paraffin lamps and the batteries will last a very long time indeed. Contact us to arrange collection or delivery. Class 107 Ltd.

Seats - free to a good home, otherwise they will be skipped. 2+3 seating, blue moquette, thought to be from a 101. Eric Maxfield, Tanfield Railway, 0191 274 2002

Brake Feed Valves - we have overhaul kits available, costing £15 per set, which includes two diaphragms and one seal. P&P is approx. £1. We had only 70, 30 are now sold, and when they are gone... Dean Forest DMU Group.

COMMENTS

From Rob Chilton (DUPA):

Re. the air problems with the final drive, I have spoken to Chris Marsack at PSH about this and he suggested the piston seals. He also mentioned the 'bowls' you fill with meths in the air intake area, and the fact that the air systems are winterised with this seems to explain the apparent reluctance to blow down the system in BR days — you lose the meths as well!!

With reference to John Joyce's comments in Bulletin 49, we investigated putting meths into the system using the "normal" method and we also discovered that the air intake system had been modified so that air is drawn in via the engine air intake. Likewise, search me how we achieve the same result as those where this is not the case!

NEXT ISSUE : 17th May 2000

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