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ISSUE 57 - NOVEMBER 2000
INTRODUCTION
It is with deepest sadness that we have to report that Bob Pugh passed away on Saturday 11th November. Many of you will have met Bob, as the organiser of the West Somerset Gala in 1999, perhaps our finest yet. The lads at Wiliton have vowed to complete the Park Royal as a tribute to him. I'm sure you will all join is on offering our condolences to his wife and children.
Saturday 16th December is the deadline for Issue 58 of The Railcar.
THE RAILCAR ASSOCIATION
Despite Angel Trains promising us a full price and condition list for all the Shoeburyness vehicles, (which were to be sold by the end of November) and details of what the procurement package would contain, nothing has been forthcoming from them as yet.
NEWS
101 NEWS 101 677 came off-lease after finishing work on the 13th November. The day before, 51511 (689) was at Longsight for a derail exam, and 51192 (693) was also at Longsight, for a collision exam. No further details at this time.
APPEALS
NRM We haven't had any real response to this, so I will repeat it again: Paul Ellis is under growing pressure from the museum to get the Class 108 into traffic as soon as possible. Paul and his dwindling team can handle the outstanding engine work, but are appealing for help to complete the wiring of a replaced fire control box. Paul can be contacted on 01904 330827.
PRESERVATION
BO'NESS 126 The centre car 59404 has now been repainted into MU Green and lined in cream. The cold weather has prevented the completion of the last bit of varnishing. Work will now resume on the re-instatement of the interior.
At Lancastrian Carriage & Wagon at Heysham, the two power cars had to be cocooned and asbestos stripped again (at a cost of £17k) due to the high level of residual asbestos found. One vehicle, DMS 51017 has had bodywork completed, with about 50% of the steel framework replaced beneath the windows, and all this area replated. The windows are going back in, and partitions, the floor and other internal timbers are being fitted. The bogies are off and are being overhauled.
BRECHIN 107 The Caledonian Railway at Brechin have decided that they will not have the resources to complete the restoration of their Class 107, an ex-Sandite set. They need a working DMU now, but do not have the time to complete it. They are offering it for sale, but would also like to hear from any groups that have a working set that would be available, and would perhaps look at offering the 107 as payment for the loan of a set.
If there are no takers for the unit, it will be broken up, and the spares sold off, and the line will look at purchasing a Class 101.
SNETTERTON 103 DTC 56160 is now due to head for a home at a new railway "in the southern Midlands". The company that owns the Snetterton site, Richard Johnston & Co., had begun pursuing the former members of Essex Rail Traction for storage costs after it failed to move it following a court ruling. These ex- members have now come up with funds to pay for the transport on behalf of it's new "custodian", Alfred Roberts. It has not been allowed to join DMBS 50397 on the Coventry Steam Railway due to asbestos safety fears. There are no plans in place, nor funds available to remove the asbestos at this time.
Alfred surveyed the vehicle with an HSE officer, and an asbestos removal firm. As well as all the smashed windows, graffiti and wrecked lavatory, the severely-robbed vehicle has been suffering from damp, which has brought three ceiling panels down and three more are loose. Other side panels are holed or swollen.
Alfred claims he is only the custodian of the vehicle, as were the Essex Rail Traction Group, the legal owners still being the Battlefield Railway, although the legality of this is yet to be determined.
At Coventry the DMBS has been given a coat of paint inside and out, and attention will now turn to fitting the missing windows (with perspex) and refit the roof panel that blew off in a gale.
- If you can help any of the following groups with their needs or information, please e-mail us at editor@railcar.co.uk
WANTED
Circuit Boards - 2 Tacho Generator circuit boards, if not available does anyone have a cct drawing? Gwent 108 Group.
Spring - Both Midland Railway Trust power cars have hydraulic fluid self-contained in the torque convertor. Does anyone have any info on the small spring in the quick release valve under the front of the bogie. We require some spares. Midland Railway Trust.
Tyre Gauge - Does anyone out there have a tyre thickness gauge, BR catalogue number 39/29799 that I can borrow? As per the VMI, I am adjusting and checking the speedos, and having made a test rig. I need the tyre gauge to get an accurate reading to set the speedo. Telford Steam Railway.
FOR SALE
Class 107 - ex-Sandite vehicles DMBS 51993 and DMC 52012. Restoration has started, with all welding completed on one cab. Comes with separate seats and an engine to replace the missing one. Brechin Railway.
CD-ROM - 101 twilight CD containing over 100 high-quality digital photos of 20 units, in N. Wales and around the Manchester area. Cost £6.50 plus £1 p&p. Cheques made payable to "Gwent 108 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
"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, there are now only three left, and when they are gone... Dean Forest DMU Group.
NEXT ISSUE : 20th December 2000