56274 Class 108 Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory

Home Railway	Weardale Railway	Location History	Rutland Railway Museum Feb 93-Nov 08
Current Location	Wensleydale Railway		Stainmore Railway Nov 08-Jun 15
Current Status	Stored		Wensleydale Railway Jun 15-Present
Current Livery	Non Standard Carmine & White
TRA Designation	4
Partner Vehicle(s)	None
Owner	Weardale Railway Trust
Website	None
Record Last Updated	8 July 2023
Preservation Modifications None
Preservation Information 56274 was preserved by the Rutland Railway Museum in 1993 for use as a loco hauled coach to carry passengers in along their industrial focussed line. The vehicle performed this role for many years, and was repainted into a non standard Carmine & White colour scheme whilst there, after the British Rail applied Network SouthEast livery became tatty. However in 2008 the vehicle was replaced by modified wagons capable of carrying passengers, which were considered more in keeping with the railway's industrial ethos. The vehicle was therefore put up for sale, being purchased privatly for the Stainmore Railway. By November 2008 the vehicle had arrived at the Stainmore Railway but does not appear to have been used in service, as the railway seldom operated any sort of services then. It is believed however that the vehicle did receive some restoration work. In 2009, 56274 was joined by powercar 51572, which on paper became its partner, the two being intended for running together on services in the future. Unfortunately 56274 was never returned to service at the Stainmore Railway and was moved on to the Wensleydale Railway during 2015 as a 2-car set with 51572. A sale followed with the new owners intending to return the set to passenger service on the Wensleydale line. Some work was undertaken on partner 51572, however priorities elsewhere on the railway led to the set being stored in the sidings at Leeming Bar awaiting the resources to return them to service. By this time it had been 10 years since any reports of 56274 operating with passengers, its condition having deteriorated somewhat during the time in storage. 56274 remained in store and in December 2020 was put up for sale following the arrival of several second generation units on the line. It remained on the market for some time before eventually in early 2023 it was purchased by the Weardale Railway Trust. The sale was parimarily aimed at securing 56274's partner, 51572, the latter required as a donor vehicle to repair collision damaged DMCL 52054. It is assumed 56274 was part of the deal. 56274 currently remains in store at the Wensleydale Railway awaiting collection by its new owners.
Future Plans There are no firm plans for 56274 at present and it is expected to remain in storage.

	56274 in storage awaiting restoration in the sidings at Leeming Bar, 6/10/19. Chris Moxon

	56274 in storage awaiting restoration in the sidings at Leeming Bar, 6/10/19. Chris Moxon

	56274 & 51572 under restoration in the newly constructed platform, 25/2/12. Alan Padley

	56274 & 51572 under restoration, 28/5/11. Andrew Gallon

	56274 newly arrived at the Stainmore Railway, June 2009. Graham Johnston

	56274 at the Rutland Railway Centre, 16/4/08. Bill Pugsley

	56274 at the Rutland Railway Centre. Stuart Mackay

	54274 at Cottesmore, 1/4/00. David McGuire

	54274 being operated at Rutland, 1995. Andrew Rothe Collection