Sandite DMUs

Many redundant DMUs found a new lease of life as sandite vehicles. Sandite is a 'sticky gritty compound' applied to the tracks to aid adhesion, normally in the autumn during leaf fall season. It consisted of a mixture of sand, aluminium and a unique type of adhesive^[1].

Early conversions were marked as sandite vehicles on the bodyside, this was applied to ADB977049. S Gaskell.

There were 98 vehicles noted as being in sandite use. These included the following types:
101: 15
103: 1
104: 2
105: 6
107: 10
108: 35
110: 4
111: 3
116: 4
118: 2
121: 14
122: 2

As more and more second generation DMUs were introduced wheel slipping on services became a bigger issue. First generation vehicles had tread brakes which would clean the wheels surface, the disc brakes on the newer vehicles didn't.

1981/2: Class 103/105 DTCs for the LMR

The first batch of conversions (977047-52) were done at Carlisle Currock in late 1981 / early 1982 and were expected to last until 1987. All were former DTCs, they would initially be based at Wigan, Buxton, Bescot, Crewe and Toton where it is believed they were loco-hauled in use.

These early conversions were grand affairs. The six vehicles comprised one 103 and five 105s, classes being run down at the time. On the inner ends the gangways were removed, often the doorway plated over with a window (and windscreen wiper) added, marker lights fitted and the end painted yellow. The rest of the vehicle would be unpainted and the numbers changed.

The image is taken through the doors at the north end of Springs Branch maintenance shed showing the former gangway end of Class 103 977047 in October 1983. S Gaskell.

One more Class 105 DTC would be converted in 1982 (977114), and allocated to Newton Heath.

This image was taken inside 977048 at Great Rock sidings on 13/10/90, after withdrawal from sandite use, but is included to show some of the equipment in these early conversions. The middle saloon contains the stillage used to mix the sandite, some empty sandite powder buckets, and to the right, the air tanks that were used as air reservoirs to deposit the liquid sandite onto the rail head. Paul Moxon.

By the start of 1985 some of the vehicles had moved to Chester and Cricklewood.

1986/7 additions: Class 121 DTSs for the WR

By the start of 1987 the Class 103 sandite 977047 had been withdrawn, and the Western Region gained its first sandite DMU conversion, 977446 from a Class 121 DTS, based at Old Oak Common^[2], and soon after gain a second, 977468.

The two Class 121 conversions would also receive a window/wiper on the non-cab end, with marker lights and a headlamp. The cab end would have two of the three windsreens plated over (leaving the drivers side), and some of the side windows / door droplights plated over.

The image shows 977486, with set number T006, stabled at Tyseley on 26/12/93 from the non-cab end. Andy Cole.

Early in 1987 the LMR would lose 977051. Often the sandite vehicles would be noted as spending a lot of time out of use / stored, but in reality there was little use for the outwith sandite season, they were not multi-purpose vehicles as later conversions were.

Late 1987 Additions: ER Class 101/111s, LMR Class 104s

By the end of 1987 the Eastern Region transferred some Met-Camms to departmental use (977535-40), these were the first sandite power cars (all DMBSs), and the first vehicles to serve a dual purpose: sandite and route learners. Seen at Thornaby are 977535 + 977536 on the 8th June 1989. Jerry Glover. Externally, apart from number changes, no changes seem to have been made.

Meanwhile, the LMR had now lost 977050 and 977114, but gained two Class 104 driver trailer conversions 977554/5. They were converted in a similar manner to the earlier DTC conversions, although 977554 had its end door plated over but 977555 didn't. The next images shows ADB977555 on Chester Depot, 3/9/89. Kevin Dowd.

There were now just threevehicles remaining from the first conversions - 977048/9/52.

The vehicles on 7/11/87 were:^[3]
LMR: 977048 BX, 977049 BS, 977052 CW, 977554/5
WR: 977466 CF, 977486 LA
ER: 977535-40

1988 Additions: Class 110s and more 101s and 121

Changes in 1988 saw the LMR lose another of the first batch (977049). The ER would lose Class 111 twin 977539/40, but gain two Class 110 twins allocated to NL (977611-4). The image shows ADB 977614 at Neville Hill on 12/8/89, still carrying it's MetroTrain markings. Hamish Stevenson.

On the WR a third Class 121 DTS conversion (977615) began but would be abandoned before completion. The ScR would gain its first set, a Class 101 twin also for route learning, containing 977607/8.

The vehicles listed on 5/11/88 were:^[4]
LMR: 977048/554 BX, 977052 BY, 977555 BS
WR: 977466 CF, 977486 LA
ER: 977535/6 HT, 977537/8/611-4 NL
ScR: 977607/8

1989 Changes

On the LMR 1989 saw the last two original conversions withdrawn. Two Class 122 bubble cars, 975042 and 975540, which had already been in departmental use as route learners, had sandite equipment added. The region still retained the two loco-hauled Class 104 trailers at BX and BS.

On the Western Region 977466 moved to LA and 977486 to CF.

The ER lost its last 111 sandite (977538) along with 101 977537. It still had two 110 twins at NL and a 101 at HT.

Withdrawn 977538 is seen at Snailwell on May 31, 1989. Surface Stock.

The ScR gained another 101 twin 977651/2, also serving as a route learner.

The full list on 4/11/89 was:^[5]
LMR: 975042* BY, 975540 TS, 977554 BX, 977555 BS
WR: 977466 LA, 977486 now CF
ER: 977535/6* HT, 977611-4 NL
ScR: 977607/8* ED, 977651/2*
*also served as a route learner

1990 Changes

The two Class 122s seemed to be absent from this years lists, but would re-appear later. The two Neville Hill 110 twins would be withdrawn. There seems to be few other changes this year, other than Class 104 977555 moving from Bescot to Bletchley.

The list on 10/11/90 was:^[6]
LMR: 977554 BX, 977555
WR: 977466 LA, 977486 CF
ER: 977535/6* HT
ScR: 977607/8* ED, 977651/2*
*also served as a route learner

1991 Additions: 108s, 118s, 121s

The year would see the two Class 122s re-appear, and more bubbles as the first of several Class 121 DMBSs (977722/3) had sandite equipment added. Class 104 977555 would move to Carlise Upperby.

The first of many 108s appeared (977744-5/8) appeared, and a Class 118 twin (977752/3). Although not listed, 108s 977746/7/9-51 were also believed to be converted at the same time.

The image shows the Class 118 sandite set 977752/3 at Sheffield in 1993. Mat Hawley.

The vehicles listed on 20/11/91 were:^[7]
LMR: 975042 BY, 975540 TS (set T008), 977554 BX, 977555 CL, 977723* BY, 977744-5/8 LO, 977752/3 TS
WR: 977466 LA, 977486 CF, 977722* OC
ER: 977535/6* HT
ScR: 977607/8* ED, 977651/2*
*also served as a route learner

1992: Big Changes

1992 saw some pretty significant changes as second generation sets made more of an impact.

Heaton lost its 101 twin but gained several 108s, the ScR lost it's two 101 twins but gained three 107 twins. Tyseley received three 121/116 hybrid pairs. Longsight allocated 9777745/51 suffered fire in Standedge Tunnel in October the previous year, they were withdrawn along with 977749 and replaced with 977765/6/8. It also gained two other 108s twins. Cardiff received four 108 twins and Laira one.

The images shows Class 108 conversions 977765 and 977766 at Chester TMD on the 24th August 1993. S Gaskell.

The vehicles listed on 27/11/92 were:^[8]
LMR: 975042 BY, 975540 (set T008), 977752/3 and 977824-9 TS, 977554 BX, 977555 CL, 977723* BY, 977744/6/8/812-5 LO
WR: 977466 and 977840/1 LA, 977486 and 977816-23 CF, 977722* OC
ER: 977806-11 and 977836/8/9 HT
ScR: 977830-5 HA
*also served as a route learner

The list also has 977769/70 (Class 114 53036 + 54027) as a sandite set at Eastfield, but these were lab vehicles at the RTC. 977765/6/8 were not on the list but I've added them in.

1993: But wait, there's more...

This would be the last year that conversions would be done. The new vehicles were another 121/116 combo (977842/3), five more Class 121s (977858-60/6/73) and five 101 twins (977895-904).

The two 104 DTCs (977554/5) were withdrawn. Class 121 DTC 977486 moved from CF to TS, Heaton's 977806/7/39 would move to LO, while 977812-5 moved LO - HT.

The fleet also felt a little more 'tidy' when given set numbers. The two 122s were absent from this list but would reappear.

The Sandite hoppers inside 977860. Through the door was a small saloon with some rows of seats for route learning. The middle of the vehicle contained a generator.

The drivers sandite controls, No.1 cab of 977860. Note there were two different type of sandite that that could be applied: standard sandite and s4 sandite.

Both images taken in September 2001 after withdrawal. Stuart Mackay.

The vehicles listed on 8/11/93 were:^[9]

Single vehicles:
LMR: 977486 (set T006) TS, 977723* (set L121) BY
WR: 977466 LA, 977722* (set L120) OO, 977858/60/73 RG, 977859/66 SA
*also served as a route learner

1994 Changes

The fleet was reduced by eleven sets, withdrawn were T003/7 (TS), 901/2/4/5 (LO), 908 (HT), 921/3/4 (CF), 925 (LA).

Aylesbury gained its first sandite/route learner when 977858 moved from Reading. 977873 moved from Reading to Salisbury. Set 903 moved from LO to HT, 922 CF - HT. Some vehicles moved between sets and some have just one vehicle listed.

The vehicles listed on 25/11/94, all except the 121 DTSs now noted as being dual purpose as route learners, were:^[10]

977723 still carries North London Lines markings when seen at Bletchley TMD on the 25th June 1994. S Gaskell.

Single vehicles:
LMR: 977486 (set T006) TS, 977723 (set L121) BY
WR: 977466 LA, 977722 (set L120) OM, 977858 (set L124) AL, 977860 (set L128) RG, 977859/66/73 (sets L125/130/122) SA

1995: Big reductions

Tyseley lost the remaining 116/121 pairs, leaving just the 121 DTS at the depot. Heaton lost the 108s and the ScR the 107s, meaning no more ER or ScR (first generation) sandites.

977722 moved OM to RG, the three Salisbury bubbles also moved to Reading.

Withdrawn Class 107 sandite sets at Millerhill on September 30, 1995, 977833 closest. Hamish Stevenson.

The vehicles listed on 22/11/95 were:^[11]

Single vehicles:
LMR: 977486 TS, 975042 (set L119) and 977723 (set L121) BY
WR: 977466 LA, 977722/859/60/6/73 (sets 960 002/11-4) RG, 977858 (set L124) AL

The End

The two Class 121 DTSs were withdrawn in 1996 but the others: a Class 122 975042 (its longetivety over its classmates was due to asbestos removal at Vic Berrys in 1987/8); seven Class 121s; and five Class 101 twins, survived a few more years.

Driver John Baker has this recollection of working Edge Hill (Liverpool) to Carlisle sandite turns in late 1996^[12]: "I was booked a break at Carlisle but a quick turnround was the usual order and the signalmen usually obliged, this required a fair bit of trust on their behalf as being a SANDITE Train you had to run for long periods at 20 mph when applying the SANDITE and this could delay following trains, thus catching you up for which the signaller had to answer for.

Most signalmen were also wise enough though to know the advantage of running the SANDITE Train in front of the heavy trains heading south overnight from Scotland.

I worked this job for three weeks as there weren't many drivers who still had driving knowledge of the older DMUs,and only once did one signalman insist that I, running as 4Z05, wait till booked time which was to follow the Sleepers, 1M11.

On that night in question 1M11 departed Carlisle and slipped its way to Wreay a few miles south of Carlisle, on a well known climb out of Carlisle. I departed shortly after unaware of any problems until stopped shortly after departure at a Red signal just behind 1M11.

The signalman advised me 1M11 had slipped to a stand, fancy that i said... I was instructed to return to Carlisle as 1M11 was going to set back as well and i was then to preceed it!

That was the last time 1M11 ran in front of the Sandite Train." The image, by John on one of these turns, shows 977895 at Carlisle in the early hours of 27/10/96 waiting departure as 4Z05 returning on its 'circuit' back to its home depot of Liverpool Edge Hill.

On 23/11/98 the allocation changes since 22/11/95 were 977859 to LO and 977866 to NC.^[13]. The following year on 15/11/99 saw the five Longsight 101s in store, as were 977722/859 (at AL/LO), and 977860 moved to AL.^[14]

The 101s would probably be withdrawn soon after storage, although they seemed to linger around Manchester for some time, the image shows vehicles there on 28/02/01. Steve Hodgson.

One of the replacements that would take over from these converted first generation DMU vehicles would be the Windhoff Multi Purpose Vehicles.

As for the remaining vehicles - the bubble cars - as dual purpose vehicles I'm not sure when their sandite use ended as it may not match withdrawal dates. Any further information would be welcome.

The last vehicles would gravitate to Aylesbury and last into the 2000s. Seen stabled there on 25/8/03 are 975042, 977873, 977866 and 977858. Robert Frise. The depot would receive the water jettting train in 2003, a converted Class 117 as a more modern alternative to applying sandite with high pressure water jets cleaning the tracks.

The Vehicles

The full list of sandite vehicles. The dates are for departmental use rather than sandite use.

References

1. ^⋏ Wikipedia: Sandite.
2. ^⋏ Platform 5 Multiple Unit Pocket Book, Spring 1987 edition, p79. Listed as 977456 rather than 977466.
3. ^⋏ Platform 5 Multiple Unit Pocket Book, Winter 1988 edition, p93/4.
4. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, 1989 edition, p75.
5. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, Spring 1990 edition, p75/6.
6. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, Spring 1991 edition, p75/6.
7. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, 1992 edition, p79.
8. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, 1993 edition, p74/5.
9. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, 1994 edition, p50/1.
10. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, 1995 edition, p50/1.
11. ^⋏ Platform 5 Diesel Unit Pocket Book, 1996 edition, p44.
12. ^⋏ Flickr photo caption: Image.
13. ^⋏ Platform 5 DMUs & Light Rail Systems Pocket Book, 1999 edition, p44.
14. ^⋏ Platform 5 DMUs & Light Rail Systems Pocket Book, 2000 edition, p54/55.