This update is the first for a quite a period of time; due to the absence of the usual writer, there are bound to be gaps in the reporting of what has been achieved. Hopefully, this article covers as much as possible from the last 3 months.

We have a section on the BR MKII TSO M5136, due to the vast amount of restoration work that has been undertaken on this particular vehicle. This is, of course, not intended to exclude other sterling work carried out by the group.

There are shorter sections on the Class 117 DMU, which has seen the non-brake end used in the running rake of normal carriages, whilst the brake and guards end is awaiting extensive body repairs awaited to be carried out. External carriage cleaning of the running rake has also taken place due to the build up of diesel and smoke exhaust residues – a very time consuming task.

Class 117 DMU

Whilst in service, the doors on the Southern side had become very stiff to to open, thus they all had to be freed up to allow easy access/egress. Internally, access to the driver’s compartment had become difficult and insecure due to door track malformation, which has been re-aligned and refitted.

TSO 4925

This carriage had outstanding collision damage to the Epping-end vestibule from earlier in its life; this was completed quite recently. Some door panels had also rotted and needed be replaced.

BR MK11 TSO 5136

This carriage had already had the North Weald end restored some while back, retrofitting the old rotted formica side panels with stained wood panels. The floor was replaced in its entirety, windows re-sealed and upholstery repaired. It was decided earlier in the year to carry out the same restoration work on the Ongar end, which was in the same condition as the North Weald end before restoration started.

The following images are a sequence of works carried out over the last 3 months. It is fair to say the the whole of the C&W group have been involved in the works, with floor insulation laid in place over a base layer of plywood. The insulation was been glued in place and weighted until set. The vestibules had the same repairs carried out as the main cabin, with ply lower floor, insulation, and upper ply replaced prior to lino being laid; brass thresholds have also been fitted.

Cleaning of the Running Rake

As said earlier, the running rake of carriages had accumulated a lot of residual dirt, believed to emanate from diesel exhausts and steam loco emissions. It has been an arduous task to work through both sides of the running rake, but the improvement in appearance is significant. The set is also being treated to a polish ahead of the Santa Special services.

Until next time
Richard Savill
Carriage & Wagon Group