DMU Update, Jan '26

We were able to continue some work on our Class 108 DMU late into 2025 despite the poor weather.

Silencer Boxes

Somewhat by accident, we discovered that the horizontal silencer boxes on the power car (M51937) are made of stainless steel.

We were inspecting them to assess what work was required and had initially thought they were just covered by rust. Now we believe the silencers may be just coated in Sandite which was used to prevent wheel slip during the leaf fall season.

M51937 was used to apply Sandite to the tracks during its final months in service.

After a few sessions working on the surface, rubbing down with wire wool and metal polish, and much elbow grease, we produced the great finishes shown in the two photographs above.

Other Works

The following photographs show other areas of work underway at the end of 2025.

Bogies

All four bogies received a coat of paint protecting them from the worst of the winter weather.

There is still much painting around the engines and ancillary equipment to take place.

Guards Compartment Door

Work has recently started on repairing the large sliding door for the Guards compartment.

This door was sadly stored outside for several years before we bought the DMU

New wood is therefore being inserted into a couple of rotten joints.

When the repairs to the frame are finished it will be repainted, the four mesh and frames reinstated and the lock repaired.

The door will then be refitted onto its runners in the Guards compartment.

Carriage Steps

We are now able to start refitting of all the doorsteps onto the two carriages.

Work has started on priming and undercoating the twenty-six steps ready for them to be finished in black.

An acknowledgement and thanks again to members for their Carriage Step Sponsorship.

Nigel Kirkpatrick