ISSUE 55 -SEPTEMBER 2000

INTRODUCTION

There were calls at last year's Convention for an updated suppliers list. I thought I'd better get it done before I was reminded about it at this year's event!

Ian McDonald has sent us an update on his story of the restoration of 55003, and this can be found on the web site.

Saturday 14th October is the deadline for Issue 56 of The Railcar.

THE RAILCAR ASSOCIATION

2000 Gala
Fast approaching, the East Lancs. Railway event is on the Fri. 13th – Sun. 15th October.

• Friday is driver experience day, with a six-mile round trip between Ramsbottom and Town End Falls on the Class 110 for £20. Numbers are strictly limited and on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact Graham Thornton on his mobile on 0973 104 523. In the evening there is a trip on the 110 to a hostelry somewhere on the line, and this set is out all day on the Sat. and Sun.
• Saturday has the formal meeting at 14:00 at Bury, with a pre-meet for co-ordinators at 13:00. Ian McDonald is showing a video and doing a talk on the restoration of 55003, and we are hoping to arrange another speaker. If the exhaust on the Wickham railbus can be repaired, then some seats will be fitted to that for a jaunt. Similarly, the BMU needs an wiring repair, and if this can be done it will do a turn also. The evening get- together is in a Bury drinking house.
• Sunday has several options: stay for the 110, get in some 101s around Manchester (although there are not many out on a Sunday), or we are organising visits to neighbouring lines. The Keighley & Worth Valley hopes to bring out its Waggon & Maschinenbau Railbus for us, and the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Line will provide the 3-car Class 107.

If anyone intends to visit the Manchester area for the 101s — around the Gala or at any other time — then Kevin Dowd will gladly give the latest gen if you call him a few days beforehand on his mobile — 0771 5726244.

2002 Gala
Nobody has volunteered to host this — any late takers?

Disposals by Angel
Tony Fox: Most of you know that TRA has been in dialogue with Angel Trains Ltd about disposal of First Generation railcars for what seems like a very long time now. Hopefully there'll be something definite to talk about by the time we all meet at the Convention in a few weeks time. We've achieved our initial objectives of ensuring that Angel understand the nature of the DMU preservation movement and of building a relationship such that they would consult TRA when planning vehicle disposals.

Early on, Angel asked TRA to co-ordinate the preliminary stages of the process in order to avoid having to deal with a multitude of enquiries themselves. Accordingly, we undertook a survey of likely demand through this Bulletin, the website and the grapevine. We were able to tell Angel that at least half of the operable Class 101 and 117 units would be preserved, if the price is right. That awareness has conditioned their thinking on disposals.

Uncertainty about withdrawal dates has of course affected Angel's plans. Late deliveries of Class 170s to Scotrail then the current problems with FNW's Coradia Class 175s mean that mainly unserviceable Class 101 vehicles have been withdrawn so far, with the exception of the Driving Trailers from Longsight, now off-lease for operational reasons. The Class 117s also soldiered on long past their sell-by dates for similar reasons. Until it actually happened, we had expected that re-leasing of Scotrail Class 101s to FNW for further service would definitely not take place. So, things have been very fluid and it's difficult to plan ahead.

So, where do we go from here? Hopefully, Angel are about to release lists of the Class 101 and 117 vehicles currently available from MoD Shoeburyness, and their condition. The lists will be circulated to all groups and individuals who have indicated an interest. Purchasers must then submit their bids directly to Angel. Expectations are that similar lists will be released
as and when further units come off lease — but which vehicles and when is not easy to predict. Suffice to say there will be several opportunities to buy. Whether you decide to make a move quickly, or wait for withdrawal of the final batch in the hope that they will be the pick of the bunch is up to you! Incidentally, there is no firm word on when that final date will be.

We understand that Angel have prepared a sales contract which among other things deals with liability for residual asbestos. Vehicles won't have to be stripped as a condition of sale (as in the past) but new owners must commit to acting responsibly when repairing or ultimately scrapping vehicles.

The detailed mechanics of bidding have still to be announced. For example, we have no indication as to whether "multi-bids" (nominating several vehicles in order of preference) would be allowed, given the complication of withdrawal of the contingency bids for other vehicles should you get the one you really want. Similarly, we don't yet know how multiple bids for the same vehicle will be handled.

To repeat; hopefully all will be revealed in a few weeks time.

Help!
A recent technical problem with a member's Leyland engine saw a call for help to the TRA by e-mail. The appeal was forwarded to those that were thought could help, and a tremendous response was obtained, the first within an hour of the original. The unit was back to normal a few days later. Thanks to all that offered advice. For the record, if you are finding high levels of diesel in your engine oil, the main thing to check is the leak of pipes from the injectors!

Overseas help required
The RM133 Trust is hoping to restore the sole-surviving member of an original 35-strong class of twin-body articulated long-distance railcars built for the New Zealand Government Railways in the mid- 1950s by Drewry Car Co./ Birmingham Carriage & Wagon Company. They are trying to research the background of their manufacture. Can anyone provide any contacts or links which might give them some background to the companies involved? Contact Lee Hall at wlhall@xtra.co.nz.

NEWS

LONGSIGHT 101s All bar one ex-Corkerhill set have now entered traffic. Some LO vehicles have been coming out of traffic where their "tickets" are up, and generally moved to Shoeburyness. The purchase of some off-lease sets is being pursued.

DERELICT CLASS 103 BOUGHT A member of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Alfred Roberts, has bought DMBS 50397 and DTC 56160 from the Essex Traction Group. The DMBS, located on the Coventry Steam Railway, is to have urgent window repairs and be painted, to counteract an eviction order placed on it due to numerous complaints about its condition from neighbouring premises.

If the railway is happy with this work it is hoped to move the DTC to the line as well. It is currently stored at private sidings at Snetterton, and a legal battle over rent payment and exact ownership is still unresolved. The trailer is still asbestos insulated, although the power car has been stripped.

SANDITES The Bubbles now seem to be centred on Aylesbury, possibly due to problems with MUVs — it is reported they are only powered on one axle and are slipping to a halt. The two Bletchley vehicles were transferred to Aylesbury in August, and 117 306 was brought from Shoeburyness to provide spares for 55020.

PARTS & SUPPLIERS  "this month sponsored by the Dean Forest DMU Group!"

BELTS Last month Chris Bull asked for details about these, and thanks all that replied.

• Ian McDonald: "My supply of new V-belts were manufactured by either Continental or JH Fenner of Marfleet (Hull) (large ones), or Optibelt VB (small ones). The large ones are: Continental 17x1525 B1560/B60 (or B5 or B8); Fenner Heat and oil resistant anti static V Belt 17x1525 B1560s; Optibelt: A1300s, at least that is what they are marked up as. I can't find an address etc. for Fenner so I assume they have ceased production. My local supply is Beeline Engineering Products Ltd. 01908 222999 (Fax 222998) who, I'm assured, 'have them on the shelf'."
• Eric Whyte: "On Corkerhill 101s the BR Cat No. was 10/108157 and the sizes on the belts are as follows: B1560 B60 17*1525Li. Corkerhill's supplier was Fenner, at an approximate price of £2.00 each (although bought in bulk)."
• John Joyce: "The VMI/DMU lists the following Brammer (Nu 'T' link) belts:
  Alternator A1300 3 of (power car) 4 of (trailer)
  Fanbelts B1560 2 of
  Exhauster B1288 2 of
  Generator B1690 4 of or B1760 4 of (power car) B2700 6 of or B2790 6 of (trailer)
  The letter denotes the belt size (Z, A, B, C) and the number is the length (mm).
  Any reputable bearing and belt stockist should be able to supply these, e.g. RS offer B1550 or B1575 for a shade over £5 each or the local branch of BSL should have them (look in Yellow Pages under Bearing Stockists). Best advice, as with all these things, is to take an old one along. They're usually marked with something discernible as a belt size."
• Trevor Daw: we were advised to use Brammer for sheer speed of replacement, particularly as it avoids taking down the freewheel unit to fit endless belts. The hidden advantage of using Brammer is that you can shorten it, should you run out of angle drive and/or fan cardan shaft adjustment. The narrow end of the links must lead. Replacement comes into the category of running maintenance! This quality of belt is expensive, but its life span is good if fitted and tensioned properly. When you buy, ask for the special key tool for turning the stud heads. They specify a pre-tension of 9%. First run the belt tight around the pulleys then remove one in eleven links then run onto the pulley. BR used to specify removing one in twelve links to obtain tension. However, if you start from scratch with angle drive loosened and there is enough cardan shaft movement. Tension can be taken up on the right-angle drive tension adjustment.

BRAKE FEED OVERHAUL KITS The Dean Forest DMU Group advise us they are now down to twenty of these. "Free delivery" can be arranged for the ELR Gala. See For Sale section for further details.

FILTER NUMBERS Info from Chris Bull: "The fuel filters for Leyland 680 engines are given as Crossland 455. These fit okay. A FRAM alternative was given by our local filter stockist, but it didn't work. The fittings are slightly different and it doesn't seal properly, that alternative is FRAM C11838PL. THE BOOK GIVES THE NUMBER BUT ITS WRONG - BEWARE. However this filter (FRAM C11838PL) is the correct one for the fuel filters on our Smith's heaters. Wilson's R14 Gearbox oil filters are FRAM CH815PL1. Leyland 680 Engine oil filters are CH2857.

SEAT CLAMP RUBBERS Last month Chris also called for information on these. Thanks to a couple of leads, they have found the company with the mould. Although they don't have any in stock, they will dig out the mould and start making them again. 200 have been ordered for consumption on the DFR DMUs. If any other group is interested, contact Richard Semet, Nene Rubber and Plastics Ltd, 43 North Street, Stanground, PETERBOROUGH PE2 8HR, Tel. 01733 894949, Fax 01733 894950, e-mail nene.rubber@virgin.net and website www.nene-rubber.co.uk. Their price is £92 per hundred for 200 off, £88 per hundred for 1000 off, plus carriage, plus VAT.

WINDOW RUBBERS Chris writes: "I am sorting out new window rubbers for our Class 108 vehicles. We bought some inside and outside rubbers via Mike Evans that he had already purchased from Baines of Kent ("A" — inside type) and Percy Lane Products West Midlands ("B" — outside type). However, on trying to fit these we have come across a problem in that they only fit the sides and base of the glass.

There are two other types of rubber along the top ("C" — inside & "D" — outside) all on the same window panel! This appears to be the standard on three of our vehicles. The top quarter lights also seem to use "A" (inside) and "D" (outside). If anyone has route knowledge out there in relation to this, please contact me. We are going to have some of these window rubbers manufactured, if anyone is interested in getting a job lot done cheaper please let me know soon."

PRESERVATION

MID HANTS 55003 W55003 has been offered a year's work (the 2001 season) on the line, so it will be staying put for a while. The high-speed run should be sorted out for some time in October. The MHR now has five trained drivers. Britt Allcroft is having a genuine 3D face made up for Daisy!

STRATHSPEY RAILWAY The working set has been altered, with Class 107 DMC 52030 being used for the first time in preservation. It is now working with DMBS 52008, while its previous partner, 114 DTC 56047, gets an overhaul. The line offers reduced fares for DMU travel, with no supplement for first-class. The heaters work on the set — important as the set is now running services right through the winter.

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

WANTED

URGENT - Free-wheel bearings - K&WVR DMU Group.

FOR SALE

Cage - we are planning to remove the guard's van cage fitted to 108 DMBS M51914 during the coming winter. This is the side passage type, complete with sliding door and square mesh. Removal is to facilitate disabled wheelchair access. If any group is interested in acquiring the metalwork (free), please contact me, otherwise it will be cut up and scrapped. Dean Forest DMU Group.

DMU wheelsets - 2x plain axle, 1x vee belt pulley axle, 1x final drive unit. All wheelsets overhauled 1992/95 and have been unused since. In very good condition, 34" diameter, 2" tyres and full new profiles. Price will be subject to negotiation dependant on quantity required. Loading will be arranged on site which must be cleared ASAP. Also available are 6x primary leaf springs, (4x 8 plates, 2x 9 plates) and a small quantity of bogie brakework linkage including adjustment screws. Full details from Paul Ramsden, Rampart Carriage & Wagon Services Ltd, Derby, tel. 01332 230543, mobile (anytime) 07801 924494, e-mail rampart.cw@talk21.com

Buffet Car - Met-Camm-built 59575. Blue asbestos removed. Call for further details. Railcar Enterprises.

EMU Parts - (taken from Sidelines, thanks to Chris Bull) following the restoration of their four-car unit of 1938 tube stock, the London Transport Museum is reviewing surplus spare parts that had been held until the project was completed. In addition there are some parts believed to be from BR Southern Region EMUs that are also not required. Further details from: Head of Collections, London Transport Museum, 39 Wellington Street, LONDON WC2E 7BB.

LMS 57-foot full brake - built 1944. Very useful storage vehicle. Good sound floor, needs some exterior cladding replaced. Runs OK. Space needed to house DMU. Reasonable price to good home. South Devon Diesel Traction.

Seats - We have a quantity of DMU seats for sale for a nominal price from a vehicle in the 595xx series (thought to be 59518). Enough for one white van! South Devon Diesel Traction.

"DMU Disposal" book - by Ashley Butlin. 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.

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, 50 are now sold, and when they are gone... Dean Forest DMU Group.

QUESTIONS

From John Joyce, Llangollen Railway:

Heater glow plugs: does anybody know what the nominal glow plug voltage is supposed to be? On top of the heater there is a bunch of resistances to drop the car's 24(ish) volts down to something like 6v, plus a crude "regulator" assembly which shorts out some of the resistance if the batteries are low. 

One of the resistances is adjustable, and is supposed to be set when the heater is fitted to compensate for different lengths of wiring in the vehicle — but to set what glow plug voltage? (for bonus points, glow plug hot or cold?) I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's 7v but I can't think where I read that.

NEXT ISSUE : 18th October 2000

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