The Railcar Association News Bulletin

ISSUE 150 November 2018 EDITORIAL just a few years. Consequently, they Hopefully this edition is back to normal are able to put on a good show during (I think the last issue broke the record their events which are held in for being the most late!). The biggest November. Nobody can predict what event of note since last time was of will happen in the future with regards to course the annual convention which unit availability, so I suggest we support saw a healthy attendance. I really these events for as long as the EVR, enjoyed the event and it was great LR and ELR are able to put them on for meeting up with old faces and a few us. And don't forget, at the ELR at least, new ones too. A thorough report on the there's another Fish & Chip Special event is included in this issue. Having running too – now who can argue with only just recovered from one event we that?!? are heading into another – the East much more in line with a “normal” Lancs Railway's Railcar Gala which is 23RD ANNUAL RAILCAR convention, with the home based Class held just days after this bulletin is CONVENTION 117/121 hybrid 2-car set supplemented published. Whilst DMU sets can always The 2018 Convention saw The Railcar by visiting Class 121 W55033 from the subject to changes and relocations, the Association return to the county of neighbouring Colne Valley, which was last two years has seen the ELR event for the first time in ten years, the able to visit as it coincided with a brief equal the two stalwarts of the last last time being in 2008 when the Colne road trip to the Ilford wheel lathe for decade: the Llangollen and Valley and East Anglian Railway contract tyre turning. The proximity to Ecclesbourne. Railcar Galas are a very Museum joint hosted. It was also the Great Eastern commuter lines niche, the market will not support many surprisingly only the third time that the radiating from London Liverpool Street, of them, and railways which run them convention had been hosted in an area plus the resident and visiting stock gave are consequently in a very exclusive previously considered part of British the convention a decidedly suburban club indeed. Key to making them viable Railways' Eastern Region. The venue theme which hadn't been experienced (on a regular basis at least) is a strong was the Epping Ongar Railway which since the Gloucestershire Warwickshire home based fleet, which is something pleasingly was hosting for the first time, convention five years previously. that 90% of the movement do not it is always interesting having a possess. The ELR, via a combination convention at a “new” railway. Friday of some relocations and conclusions of The Friday was firmly set in tradition as some major restorations, has propelled In contrast to the previous year's gala Driver Experience day, with Class itself from a two set to a five set gala in extravaganza format, the event was 117/121 2-car power/trailer 51384/56287 in use for delegates once the unit had passed over the rails throughout the day. It shuttled a few times normal running proceeded intensively between Ongar, through for the rest of the day. It was a great North Weald to , where pleasure being able to drive over such the boundary between preservation and interesting track. the exists. This latter feature was one of the unique A few photographic stops were able to aspects of this line. The approach to be made during the day and some good the boundary is via increasingly steep use made of the sun which was out in gradients starting at 1in149, then 1in70 force. Instructors were very friendly and and finally 1in56 before reaching the various facts about the line and stop board! Of course such high risk surrounding areas were discussed. conditions means that traditional driver experiences must stop short of this Saturday downward “ski slope”, however certain Saturday saw the event open to the trips which were being run by passed public. The railway was running a drivers from other railways were able to steam service as normal so as not to include this final section “to the stops”. disappoint the average visitor and also for additional variety. The locomotive in In total six round trips were operated use was Metropolitan No1, most before the 117/121 set was swapped appropriate for a railway associated for the visiting Class 121 which pro- down proved a challenge when tackling with the London Underground, albeit ceeded to do several more trips allow- most of the line which is around 1in70 the Central Line. No1 ran three trips ing further experiences to be run as for most of its length. The gradient between North Weald and Ongar, as well as combining with some of the profile for the line resembles a letter M the Epping Forest section is limited to owning group who were able to enjoy and the vehicles were constantly trains either top & tailed or railcar driving their unit on a foreign railway. powering hard or rolling downward operated. Slotting in between No1 on requiring keen driver attention. The first the Ongar section, and having free The experiences themselves were most trip terminated at Epping Forest and reign over the Epping end, was the enjoyable with drivers really having to encountered poor railhead conditions Class 117/121 and the visiting 121 work the unit hard. With both vehicles on its return leading to a delay as sand “bubble car” W55033. being of the heavier “long” type a single was applied and the underpowered unit vehicle carrying a trailer around up and slowly crawled up the 1in56. Luckily were looking bleak before the Epping Ongar Railway rescued us with the use of their marquee at North Weald, which whilst unheated, provided the space we needed to allow the meeting to happen. We are in debt to them for this as well as providing the necessary tables, chairs and space heater borrowed from the workshops!

30 delegates attended the meeting which was a nice middle-of-the-road A trip or two was possible before a mid whilst the remainder of the party figure if comparing with previous years. morning guided tour of the locomotive explored the adjacent steam and diesel The meeting started with the normal restoration sheds at North Weald. fleets under repair and restoration. Chairman's address with a brief During this tour we encountered the summary of the railcar matters for the final DMU vehicle on site at the railway, Following the tour delegates either had year. Apologies were received and Class 117 DMBS 51342. This is the another small ride or in most cases, included Ian Bradbury, Chris Bull, true partner to the Class 117 in service retired for lunch in the railway's Anglia Gareth Coleman, Trevor Daw, Kevin (51384) but its extended restoration led buffet coach. It's funny how places Dowd, Jim Poor and the members of to Class 121 trailer 56287 being hired in providing food can be the place to be, the Swindon Diesel Preservation to allow 51384 to enter service as a especially during poor weather which Society based at Bo'ness. complete set. The interior restoration of sadly made itself known during the day, 51342 had already been completed in stark contrast to the beautiful The question was raised by the before a small corroded area led to conditions present on the Friday. All too Chairman as to what the cut-off point huge further problems with the vehicle's soon 2 o'clock arrived which marked for railcars within the association should cant rails being discovered. This meant the start of the general meeting. be. Whilst it was felt that cutting off at a the state of affairs when we inspected certain point may in the future lead to 51342 was that of serious bodywork Formal Meeting new members not being interested in repairs to the secondman's side, with Finding a suitable local venue for the joining as we did not cater for “their more on the opposite side planned. meeting proved far more difficult this traction”, different technologies and Ideas and experiences were exchanged year than is ordinarily the case. Things practicalities meant that it was felt there needed to be a limit so as not to be was then explained before some was acquired for 51347 at Colne, overstretched in terms of support and number crunching. Total DMU's 51138 (116 DMBS), as well as a spares expertise. It was decided that any preserved had dropped from 280 to donor in the form of 51151 (116 DMS). decision could always be reviewed in 277. The operational DMU fleet had It was at this point that the bubble car the future, but for now a limit would be dropped from 150 to 144 whilst the 55033 joined the collection, this one set within the BR era, so only stock built number of active restorations was fairly costing a premium of £3,00 when other before 1996 would be recognised by stable, changing from 46 to 45. vehicles at the time were £1,000! the association. Generally more classes of railcars had Vehicles continued to arrive with 51401 decreased in availability than (117 DMS) being sent to the Nene The Chairman also nominated a increased, the exception being the Valley Railway on hire with 51347 to prominent member of the Railcar Class 119's which have done well this form a set, with the now partner-less community to be the Association's first year. 51138 pairing up with spares donor Honorary President which was 51151 to form a proper Class 116 set. immediately seconded by Brian Smith. The next presentation was by Martin At this point it was realised there were A vote was taken and the choice was Smith of Pressed Steel Heritage, who too many vehicles in the fleet to cope unanimously in favour. had two vehicles present at this year's with, so the 116 set was sold to the event. Martin explained how the group Great Central North and the 117 to the The first presentation was Chris was formed, its original aims and how Nene Valley, leaving just the bubble car Moxon's summary of the year for the these differed to what the group ended 55033. The group then however wanted preserved vehicles. There were no new actually up with! They are now the their first vehicle 56287 back to form a additions to the fleet but three Class proud owners of an authentic Class 121 proper 121 pairing. 56287 at Mangapps 141 vehicles were scrapped. Seven bubble car and trailer pairing, although required a repaint by this time, so vehicles were identified as “at risk” of the two exact vehicles preserved did agreement was reached for it to be scrapping in the next 12 months but not run together. It was explained how swapped with another vehicle if the none of them were historically vital. the fleet was originally built up, with replacement vehicle was freshly There had been a lot of road 56287 (121 DTS) being the first vehicle painted. Class 117 DMS 51381 was movements this year with 10 vehicles moved to Mangapps Farm. A powercar, duly sourced and swapped for 56287 moving permanently to new homes and 51347 (117 DMBS) was bought to run which was able to join 55033 at the a record 7 vehicles moving for gala with 56287 but this arrangement was Colne Valley. Since then (2004) the events or hire contracts. A list of not satisfactory at Mangapps so 51347 collection has remained stable and the restorations and overhauls that had was moved to the Colne Valley shortly main challenges have been completing both been started and been completed after and 56287 sold. A new partner restoration work with the limited first generation DMU's which are the cost. Evan had been down this year to last surviving sets of their class/type. A complete a condition assessment and scrapping of any of the Holy Grail sets was well placed to do so having been would be considered by the community heavily involved in two Holy Grail sets as a huge historical loss and should be already (109 & 100). Initially in pictures avoided at all cost. The Holy Grail sets on the internet the unit doesn't look too include the Derby Lightweight bad, however up close the tell-tale (Ecclesbourne Valley), Gloucester 100 signs of severe structural corrosion is (Llangollen Railcars), Park Royal 103 apparent. The unit obviously hasn't (Helston), Cravens 105 (East Lancs), operated for many years and despite Wickham 109 (Llangollen Railcars), being advised it is complete there are a Gloucester 119 (Swindon & Cricklade) few major components missing. facilities available. More recently, and Swindon 126 (Bo'ness & Kinneil). However luckily most of the missing 56287 was not being used much so All of the above over the past 25 years mechanical components are very was hired to the Epping Ongar Railway have changed ownership and slowly standard items (such as vacuum who required a vehicle to run with half been moved into secure hands and are cylinders) which would prove no of their 117 set whilst the other half either restored to running condition or problem to any of the established received restoration work. This brought under restoration to similar standards, groups to replace. The set has several the story up to the present day, and with the exception of the Park Royal modifications, the most amusing being with more work including a repaint to 103 which is currently deteriorating with a large central heating boiler fitted to the bubble car, it's looking like Pressed no realistic funding or facilities to the outside of the trailer car! Steel Heritage have enough to be reverse the situation. The current Underneath the vehicle is reportedly getting on with for some time! owners appear to be unfamiliar with quite nasty with corrosion evident, how DMU preservation works i.e. probably from its days near the sea The following two presentations were unrestored vehicles are normally worth front at Minehead. There was a by Evan Green-Hughes with the first no more than their own scrap value suggestion that asbestos “may” be being an update on the last of the “Holy (regardless of their rarity) whilst running present, although not proven on this Grail” DMU sets to remain at risk of sets command the higher prices when occasion. The rear passenger saloon of loss. For those who weren't aware of sold. This fact proves a sticking point to the trailer is now a buffet and the the “Holy Grail”, the term is used a degree as it would be hard enough re guards van a kitchen. Evidence of roof amongst the railcar fraternity for an -homing a unit which requires a full leaks is present. The final consensus exclusive collection of extremely rare rebuild without adding a large purchase was that the set was by no means beyond redemption, as it is broadly being a company limited by guarantee carefully on vehicles if cylinder complete and in better condition than and then applying for charitable status, problems persist. 55006's was out by other Holy Grail sets were before their although we would have to be careful in an inch after BR had modified a pull restorations started. Having said that our wording as from an outsider looking rod. Another problem on 55006 was however, Evan advised that any notion in, it may look like the association is in multiple cylinders having defective that the set was “not bad at all” and fact a trade group for operators, due to check valves. Inside the cylinder is a could have a “normal restoration” such the number of vehicles that are in check valve with a stainless steel ball as that applied to a Class 101 or Class private ownership. It would appear inside, it has been discovered that 108 should be dispelled immediately, there would be a £1,500 set up charge overhaul companies are not always and that he estimated the 103 could be and then £1,100 a year running costs. inspecting or replacing these valves, a £200,000 project in a similar fashion After a discussion, we thanked Evan for and if the brass inside is worn or to other Holy Grail restorations. It was completing the research as we now damaged, the cylinder can lose its tops obvious that all of the main groups with know for sure, however at the present side vacuum. This check valve should the skills and experience to restore the time it was voted unanimously that we be directly above the release valve Class 103 were all committed to their should remain as we are as the fees when reassembling the cylinder, which existing fleets, which was most were too costly for us and the benefit is important as being located on a frustrating as it would appear we are would not outweigh it. We currently do round piston, the check valve can be currently only in a position to sit and not produce/commission enough parts easily located in any orientation, so this watch where the 103 ends up. to make it worthwhile. It was agreed the is important to bear in mind when Agreement with the existing owners has topic could be reviewed in the future if positioning during reassembly. The been reached that they will stay in ever things changed. above paragraph may make more contact should they need to dispose of sense if the vacuum areas of the the set in the future, and we at least The next topic saw Chris Nesbitt speak original railcar website is studied to know more now about its condition. about Vacuum Cylinders, particularly in properly understand how vacuum elation to problems they had cylinders work and the function of their Evan's second topic was the future of experienced with W55006's on the component parts. the Railcar Association's constitution. Ecclesbourne Valley. Changes in Last year, it was agreed that we should vacuum cylinders did not cure the The floor was then opened up to any at least investigate other options problem and they had drawn a blank for other business. Evan briefly gave an towards formalising our constitution, to some time. Further investigations HRA update as our representative. The possibly be able to trade as a single revealed shortened/lengthened brake only items relevant to us were the body and have parts produced and sold gear can affect vacuum cylinder recent interest of the HRA and ORR in across the UK. This would require behaviour and should be checked Mark 1 coaches and particularly their The underframe is done and funding arrangements for the completion of the restoration have been made more secure. Hopefully a full presentation will be made next year.

It was confirmed that the next year's convention will be at the , on October 4th-6th 2019. A second venue was nominated for 2020 and agreed, the identity of which can be published after the resident group can condition after problems with corrosion. get it confirmed by their railway. ice cream for dessert as well! This was We were reminded that being similar also new to us and also an excellent vehicles it was only a matter of time Saturday Evening Fish & Chip idea! With everyone in one place, it was before DMU's were scrutinised, so if Special a great social and a good time was had required we shall stay ahead of the One of the highlights of the event was by all as the light dropped and the units game and make any changes as the Saturday Evening Fish & Chip ran into the dark. The Class 121 and required, as we did with the national special. This was run earlier than in 117/121 sets were coupled together for model maintenance scheme some previous years, starting at 17:00 from the run as is traditional, however we years ago. A voluntary whip round was North Weald for ta trip to Ongar where couldn't help but notice that the best undertaken to cover the association's chips were served at 17:30 followed by heaters and a bar were in the bubble HRA subs for the next 12 months and two round trips with several stops for car, so strangely people seemed to we were £4 short, which the Chairman people to depart if desired. It was congregate in there! duly made up! noticed that this format worked really well and it was suspected that the Sunday We then received a brief update on the earlier time allowed people with long Sunday saw the weather revert to how GWR Railcar (W20) at the Kent & East journeys to stay for the special when in it had been on Friday, giving those Sussex Railway. Due to heath issues a previous year's they wouldn't have. One delegates who had made a weekend of full presentation was not possible, but to remember for future conventions it another burst of sunshine and needless to say that the vehicle is now perhaps? We were treated to fish or warmth. The timetable and trains were progressing better then ever before. sausage and chips with a selection of broadly similar to that offered on railway and groups were made and we as well as receiving thorough interior hope to stay in contact with the line on cleaning. The unique Class 105 has matters regarding DMU's and other had some repair work to its multiple issues. working jumpers and the guards van door woodwork has been repaired and adjusted. The Class 117 is being de-mothballed having been in store for a year, which thankfully hasn't raised many issues. The Class 122 has had a fuel leak on one of its engines repaired. However the most work has been put into the Class 110 which sadly due to Saturday, with the notable swapping of some unfortunate failures shortly before the with a Class 31 the event has required a lot of effort as no steam crew was available. Whilst and last minute repairs to allow it to the railway had advertised a steam return to service for the event. On the service, most of our delegates were in DMBC vehicle, it has required a fact pleased with the substitution, given NEWS replacement final drive dog, and our lean towards diesel traction, making Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway: During the electrical repairs to the saloon and the Brush Type 2 a bonus! “summer work week” The Class 126 guards van lighting. The DMCL vehicle 3-car set was not neglected, and an has received a new injector and the idle From lunchtime onwards and with long analysis was done of the repairs to an speed has been reset. All of the journeys home ahead, the remaining engine on Sc51017 to see if there was vehicle's direction selection switches delegates dispersed signalling the end still water contamination in the oil, have also been cleaned and repaired of a fantastic weekend. All that remains looking good so far. where required to ensure reliable is to thank the Epping Ongar Railway operation. for everything they laid on for us, : Work has organisation of the event, and been gearing up to ready all of the sets Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Work particularly their hospitality in providing required for this weekend's Railcar continues on the long-standing vacuum us with a meeting room in our hour of Gala. The Class 104 set has seen brake cylinder problem on Class 122 need. It really felt like we were very well remaining cab fittings fitted to M50455 single unit W55006. It should be back in catered for indeed. Links between the including notably the destination blind, traffic for the Santa season. Class 101 E51505 has had its toilet cubical NYMR's own unit, 50204/51511, having refurbished and tank leaks repaired. worked 1000's of miles between 2005 The springs on the No 1 bogie have and 2013, is still in store requiring been adjusted as they were found to be heavy bodywork repairs. over tightened. Finally the Class 108, E53599, is currently in the works for Strathspey Railway: The operating crash pillar repairs to the corridor lass 117 set has had a replacement connection end. drivers window fitted to the DMS (SC51402). The team have also been : Not much to busy carrying out anti-freeze checks report his time, E51228/E56062 have ready for the Highland winter. run the majority of services throughout the late summer. The two sets have however been swapped over again, with M51188/M56352 now working the last October/November services due to clear the crowds at Levisham but that set being the only one of the pair cancelled at NB10 (presumably that is a (at present) to have functioning heating. signal at New Bridge, outside This will allow E51228/E56062 to have Pickering? - ed). Thanks to the Diesel their heaters repaired and put back into team some TLC had been administered service. Once M51188's duties are and all 4 engines work, the issue concluded in December it has a space having been corrosion in the fuel booked in for repainting during the system causing fuel starvation. winter shut down period. Standing in the open is not doing it any favours. The heaters have been North Yorkshire Moors Railway: attended to which was welcome on the 50160/59539/50164 completed their Sunday which was cold and wet. The duties during the wartime event without south end destination blind has been issue with one of the Saturday trains replaced and now matches the north being full and standing. With good end. The next planned running dates loadings throughout the day an are a Pickering based diagram between additional tea time train was started to 27th December and 1st January. The RESTORATION NEWS also been picked out in their various Class 122 55019 (Llanelli): The Derby Lightweight 79612 colours – white for vacuum and air vehicle has been nominated for some (Ecclesbourne): This trailer car has pipes and orange for electrical conduit. grant funding in the Aviva Community had more roof repairs to fix a persistent We now retreat to inside work for the Fund awards, which could kick start its leak. Further interior work has been winter! restoration proper if they were to win. carried out, including installation of rock To do this however they need our help wool for insulation. Class 117 59511 (Strathspey): Work as readers and members of the public – continues on fitting the new side panels see the separate section further down Class 103 56160 (Denbigh): The to the interior with both first and second the bulletin for details on how to vote for drivers side has received attention with class saloons progressing very well. them. the battery box and step board brackets being cleaned and painted. Two new step boards have been finished, and the timber cut for the others.

E&G 79443 (Bo’ness): Good progress continues. A summer work week saw a Class 104 56182 (North Norfolk): The visit to the goods shed for more 'hot outside repainting work has now finally work', the welding on the bodyside is been included, just in time before the now more or less completed and a start frosts start! All of the underframe made on the final area - the gangway at between the bogies is now in gloss the kitchen end. This required black and also treated are the solebars dismantling of much of the gangway and rear bufferbeam/buffers. All of the pieces to allow repairs to begin. Back in pipework and conduit “below deck” has it's normal home of the workshop area of the Scottish Railway Exhibition, work rebuilding the door latching continues inside and out. Underneath, mechanisms, then put the chairs back the south side solebar continued to be and final paint job. descaled with a needle gun and painted, and the cleaning and painting RAILCAR OF THE YEAR 2018 of other components (such as gas It is getting to that time again, to give bottle and battery boxes) continues. The Railcar Association's award for the Inside, when the vehicle was asbestos best vehicle (or set) for this year. Voting stripped the timber framework between will be open during the month of the steel body and formica sheets were December, so look out on the website broken off, leaving their fasteners (preserved.railcar.co.uk) for details on behind. These have been invaluable in how to cast your vote. In the meantime, determining the sizes of the don't forget anyone can nominate a replacement timberwork, and now that vehicle to be included in the choices the woodwork is being made the next month, so if anyone has any ideas fasteners are being removed and new feel free to send them to timber framework fitted to the ceiling [email protected] before November which will cost us supporter nothing areas of the compartments, in some 30th. financially. To give them our vote, cases using the original nuts and bolts. please use the link below, which also Some of the wood pieces, which we AVIVA COMMUNITY FUND contains a more thorough description of nicknamed 'hockey sticks', were made The Class 122 “bubble car”, 55019, the project than has been published some years ago during the restoration based at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr here: of Sc59404, laminated in a jig to form Railway, South Wales, has been the correct curvature for the ceiling. shortlisted for the latest Aviva community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/ Community Fund awards. It is down to project/view/4-3040 W&M Railbus 79963 (Chappel): public votes to propel their project into 79963 has been out on more winning £10,000 to provide the bulk of TIME TRAVELLER successful test runs, although some the finance required to progress the proper reproduction driving tools are restoration of the vehicle. Being a Green Era still required. The restoration is coming Railcar focussed bulletin we can Class 116—Bristol—1959 close to its conclusion, the last jobs hopefully count on all readers quickly being taking the doors to bits and registering and giving them our votes – Class 121 - Hayes & Harlington –  Photographs of vehicles in service 4/5/63  Restoration articles  Reports on special events E&G – Cab  DMU modelling articles  Articles on DMU history Blue Era  Recollections of DMUs Class 101 – Heyside – 29/6/74 on the national network.

 Requests for information Class 103 - Barmouth – 5/79  News & images of

recent DMU activity Class 105 - Ipswich – 1982  Anything that may be of Class 126 - Newton on Ayr – 1968 interest to readers

Blue/Grey & Later Feel free to send submissions Class 114 – New Holland Pier – at any time to 29/10/80 [email protected] but no later than December 29th for Class 108 – Whitehaven – 31/8/91 Issue 151 (due out January).

Class 117 51401 – Reading

SUBMISSIONS Hopefully the contents of this bulletin was both interesting and informative. If you know anyone who could provide similar material found in this issue for future bulletins, please make yourself or them known to [email protected] The following types of submission would be most welcome: GALLERY

Sitting spare at Dufftown, 8/10/18 (D.Stokes)

1212 (Helga) is prepared for service after a few minor repairs, 6/10/18 (D.Shell) 51412 under restoration at Whitwell, 1/10/18 (M.Hughes) 51887 looks a bit rough at Minehead, 24/10/18 (M.Hughes)

Giving good service at the Ribble Steam Raiwlay is W&M Railbus E79960, on long term loan from the North Norfolk Railway, 6/10/18 (A.Deamer)

56287/51384 between Epping & North Weald during driver experience runs, 5/10/18