Building a DMU
Part Four: Adding the Roof
Images twenty-seven to thirty-seven in the booklet show the roof being added to the body sides and ends.
"Leading End"
Negative 5C82
Taken 20/01/56. Before we get to the roof images there are a couple of images showing the 'leading' type of cab front. This DMBS already has the roof added. The corner panelling and cab dome remain to be fitted. The vehicle just seen on the right has oval buffers so will not be a DMU vehicle.
"Leading End"
Negative 5C83
Taken 20/01/56. Another 'leading' cab front, not as advanced as the cab in the previous image. The framework for the cab front is in place, the horizontal 'z' rail to form the cab corners has yet to be added. The vehicle behind (the same vehicle as image 5C82) has the panelling added to the cab corner.
"Welding Roof"
Negative 5C58
Taken on 1/12/55, this welder is stick welding the panel joint for the end roof panel. The end panels were not added until the jig-built roof was added to the vehicle. The panels were formed of galvanized steel.
"Roof Completed"
Negative 5C75
A completed roof is seen being lifted from the jig on 15/12/55. It even has the roof vents fitted at this point. Eyelets have been added to the roof temporarily for the move to the vehicle.
"Lowering Roof into Position"
Negative 5C72
Taken on 15/12/55, the roof is being lowered into position on an intermediate DMBS.
"Roof Lowered into Position"
Negative 5C73
The roof now sits on top of the sides.
"Welding together Roof & Body Cant Rail"
Negative 5C59
Taken on 1/12/55, the opening to the left will become the guards van double doors. A hole can seen in one of the roof panels (surrounded by white) from where the eyelet was removed, the hole will be welded over.
"Welding together Roof & Body Cant Rail"
Negative 5C60
Seen through the van doorway a welder is at work joining the newly added roof. The lower section of roof at cantrail level was made from substantially thicker plate to add to the structural integrity of the vehicle.
"Welding together Roof & Body Cant Rail"
Negative 5C61
Two welders at work inside the vehicle. There is still no floor at this stage. Once the roof welding has been done the white frames could be removed.
"Welding together Roof & Body Cant Rail"
Negative 5C62
The last image from 1/12/55. Where the roof panel meets the body this has only been tack welded every few inches.
"Roof & Body Cant Rail Joints"
Negative 5C74
Roof welding complete on a DMBS, 15/12/55. The rain gutter would cover the join between body and roof.