DMU Update, Feb '23

We are using this DMU update to highlight some of the restoration tasks which do not receive a great deal of publicity. However, these tasks are just as crucial to the overall restoration of the DMU as is painting the bodywork or reinstating the seating.

Driver's Desk

The first photo shows the driver's desk in M56484, which has undergone extensive restoration work. The desk surface has been rubbed down to remove all the rust and a coat of black paint applied.

The two silver controllers, the throttle on the left, and gear change in the centre, have also been stripped down, all electrical contacts cleaned and then rebuilt as seen. All other control items shown, and the various switches have gone through the same process.

Vacuum Gauge

The second photo shows the vacuum gauge and air gauges from the driver's desk. These also have been stripped down and thoroughly cleaned before painting. They are now ready to be refitted into the driver's desk.

Brake Handle

This photo shows the vacuum gauge brake handle from the guard's compartment in M51937.

It went through our usual restoration process of stripping down, rust and dirt removal. Repaint and rebuild. It has been refitted in the Guard's Compartment ready for testing.

Drainage Channels

The fourth picture shows member volunteer Gerry Fenney, displaying one of the new drainage channels which fit inside each of the carriage doors. Gerry has been busy on the restoration using his fabrication skills to repair or even make a number of new components from scratch.

Only one or two of the original drainage channels could be reused, as many were badly corroded or broken. So, Gerry used various items of scrap metal in stock to manufacture complete new parts.

First Class Seating

The final photo shows the latest progress in the First-Class seats area which now includes newly fitted seat head rails. We had been struggling to find somewhere to re-chrome the rails at a reasonable cost.

Fortunately, we were able to have them powder coated in silver grey locally.

Nigel Kirkpatrick