51366 Class 117 Driving Motor Brake Second (Section Only)

Home Railway	Private Site: Birmingham	Location History	Private Site: Birmingham ?-Present
Current Location	Private Site: Birmingham
Current Status	Static Display
Current Livery	Network SouthEast
Owner	West Midlands Fire Service?
Website	www.safeside.org.uk
Record Last Updated	23 August 2020
Preservation Modifications The vehicle has been severely modified and cannot operate again as a conventional rail vehicle. The rear half and bogie of the vehicle was removed and the remaining section stripped out internally. The ex-passenger saloon was fitted with side facing seating down each side of the vehicle, access remaining though the cab door only. The seats were reclaimed from mark 2 coaches. The ceiling and some interior window surrounds/panels are all that remains of the original interior. Two large televsion screens were also fitted to the saloon. The majority of the cab fittings (including the desk) were removed, but the handbrake wheel and reversing/brake handle holder remain! Other features fitted inside the passenger saloon for educational purposes include a ticket barrier
Preservation Information Little is known about the preservation life of 51366. It is presumed to have been saved when most of the London based Class 117 vehicles were disposed of in the early 2000's (although the exact date is not known) and became one of only a handful of DMU's not to be bought by railway preservationists. 51366's rather interesting role has been in the education of Birmingham's young people to think and act safely. The vehicle was severely modified, including being cut into two and the rear section being disposed of (see Preservation Modifications section above), before being placed on static display at Safeside in Birmingham. Safeside, managed and funded by West Midlands Fire Service, opened in 2009 and is a state-of–the-art, scenario-based, experiential learning centre featuring a full size indoor street scene. 51366's exterior plays a part in illustrating the dangers of playing on/near railway lines and has a modified interior with visual displays used in the education programmes. Being in a secure indoor environment, 51366 appears to be in very good condition. The vehicle looks to have received a repaint (keeping its Network SouthEast colour scheme) during the conversion work.
Future Plans To maintain as part of the Safeside street scene.

	51366 in its normal static role at Safeside, 4/10/19. West Midlands Fire Service

	51366 still in use in an educational capcity at Safeside, 15/3/18. West Midlands Fire Service

	51366's repainted bodyside has lasted well undercover, 7/16.

	A view of 51366 amongst its surroundings in the safety village at Safeside, 1/14. ROSPA

	51366 being used in an educational course at Safeside, 15/10/10. West Midlands Fire Service

	The surviving section of 51366 being positioned inside the Safeside facility in Birmingham. West Midlands Fire Service

	51366's bogie being positioned inside the Safeside facility in Birmingham. West Midlands Fire Service

	The surviving section of 51366 being transported to the Safeside facility in Birmingham. West Midlands Fire Service

	The surviving section of 51366 being transported to the Safeside facility in Birmingham. West Midlands Fire Service

Interior

	The heavily modified interior in use in an educational role. West Midlands Fire Service

	51366 being separated before transfer to the Safeside facility in Birmingham. West Midlands Fire Service