50437 Class 104 Driving Motor Brake Second

Home Railway

East Lancashire Railway

Location History

Private Site: Preston (storage) Jan 94-Apr 96

Current Location

East Lancashire Railway

Churnet Valley Railway Apr 96-May 16

Current Status

Stored

East Lancashire Railway May 16-Present

Current Livery

Network SouthEast

TRA Designation

5

Partner Vehicle(s)

50494

Owner

Kevin Dowd

Website

www.brcw.co.uk

Record Last Updated

1 February 2022

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
50437 was preserved in March 1993 in a bulk buy of 12 Class 104 vehicles by private individuals Kevin Dowd and Robert Simpson. A particularly early build example of its class, and the only DMBS with a roof mounted marker light (a feature of early vehicles) to survive, its preservation was only possible due to the assistence of BR's last disposal manager who generously "set aside" 50437 preventing it from being stripped for spares. The preserved 104 fleet was eventually distributed over three heritage railways but space restrictions at the Churnet Valley Railway meant 50437 which was located at old Oak Common depot had to be stored at Salwick, (Preston) until 1996 before being moved to its proper home.

50437 immediately went into storage as the finantial/workforce restraints of the time meant only one vehicle could be restored, the superior (in condition) DMCL 50517 being the chosen vehicle.

In 1999 the time had come to start the restoration of a DMBS vehicle to join DMCL 50517. 50437 and 50455 were the contenders. It was noted that 50455 had been withdrawn due to being surplus to requirements unlike 50437 which was withdrawn with electrical faults. The superior bodywork of 50455 was also in its favour. Consequently, 50455 was selected for restoration and 50437 continued in storage awaiting its turn.

In November 2004, 50437 was sheeted over to offer some protection from the harsh Staffordshire winters, although by now it was noted that the bodywork was in a very poor state.

In 2007, 50437 made its first public appearance, being unsheeted and displayed as an example of an unrestored vehicle for the railway's Scenic Railcar Weekend. After the event the vehicle was resheeted and returned to storage.

In October 2012, 50437 was attacked by metal theives whilst in storage. Many "removable" items from the exterior were forcably detached and stolen. The tarpaulins were also cut off and used to transport other larger items the thieves were takling. This triggered some essetial work to resecure the vehicle. The interior was cleared out of all loose spare parts, and remaining parts which were relatively easy to remove (both on the inside and outside) were taken from the vehicle and transferred to a more secure location. The vehicle was then resheeted with replacement tarpaulins and returned to store.

Following discussions with the owning group's home railway where many issues that had arisen that could not be satisfactorily resolved, 50437 was moved in 2016 to the East Lancashire Railway.

50437 is still awaiting restoration, having been stored for over 30 years.

Future Plans
50437 is one of only two surviving Class 104 vehicles from the earlier batch, which can be identified by having a marker light located on the cab roof dome. These earler sets were allocated to Buxton in British Railways days, and it is the ultimate wish of the owners to recreate a "Buxton" 3-car set using authentic vehicles in the future. Indeed, the dream of this 3-car set was the original reason for preserving the 104's in the first place. 50437 (along with TCL 59137 & DMCL 50494) is part of the proposed 3-car set, therefore despite its poor condition its future is secure.

53437 in store at Oakamoor loop, 11/2/14. Chris Moxon

53437 & M53494 make a dramatic sight under a threatening sky at Cheddleton during shunting. These are the two powercars which make up the owners' ultimate Buxton pedigree Class 104 3-car set, 29/10/12. Chris Moxon

53437 at Cheddleton whilst components which hadn't already been stolen were being removed for safekeeping. This view shows the faded Network SouthEast colour scheme, 53437 now being the last 104 to carry this once-bright livery which is appropriate as it was also the first Class 104 to be repainted into these colours in 1989, 29/10/12. Chris Moxon

A corridor view of 53437 at Cheddleton whilst components which hadn't already been stolen were being removed for safekeeping. No major parts were missing from the vehicle, however it is in extremely poor condition and restoration will be a large task when the vehicle reaches the front of the "queue", 29/10/12. Chris Moxon

53437 at Oakamoor now with some protection from the elements in the form of a tarpaulin, 13/7/08. Chris Moxon

53437 makes a rare appearance at Cheddleton, unsheeted for one weekend and on display at the line's Scenic Railcar Weekend as an example of an unrestored vehicle, 28/9/07. Chris Moxon

53437 makes a rare appearance at Cheddleton, unsheeted for one weekend and on display at the line's Scenic Railcar Weekend as an example of an unrestored vehicle, seen here with restored DMBS M50455, 28/9/07. Chris Moxon

53437 in storage at Oakamoor. The vehicle was soon to be sheeted over to protect it from some of the weather, 20/11/04. Paul Moxon

53437 making a rare appearance away from other stock during a shunt at Oakamoor, 3/2/02. Paul Moxon

53437 during a shunt at Oakamoor, 5/4/98. Paul Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored cab (drivers side), 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored cab (secondmans side), 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored cab (drivers controls), 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored front saloon, 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored middle saloon, 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of one of 53437's unrestored vestibules, 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of one of 53437's unrestored second class seating bays, 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored guards van (drivers side), 10/8/08. Chris Moxon

A view of 53437's unrestored guards van (secondmans side), 10/8/08. Chris Moxon