56408 Class 101 Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory
Home Railway |
Location History |
Spa Valley Railway Feb 04-Oct 21 |
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Current Location |
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Lavender Line Oct 21-Present |
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Current Status |
Operational (Hauled Stock) |
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Current Livery |
Southern Region Malachite Green |
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TRA Designation |
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Partner Vehicle(s) |
None |
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Owner |
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Website |
None |
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Record Last Updated |
1 July 2022 |
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Preservation Modifications |
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Preservation Information 56408 arrived at the railway in early 2004 and was quickly repainted into Southern Region green to match the railway's locomotive hauled coaching stock. Extra lamp irons were fitted to the cab end, to carry a large headboard, but these were later removed. Inside, the seats were reupholstered in an appropriate green pattern, and the orange Formica painted over in white to smarten the vestibule areas. 56408 briefly operated with Class 115 51669 on test runs only, but not in passenger service as 51669 was not yet ready for service. The vehicle therefore was used exclusively as a high capacity coach and observation saloon, normally on the end of the railway's loco hauled coaching set. It was also a regular performer at "Day Out With Thomas" events with a face added to play "Daisy". In 2011, 56408 became one of the first SVR trains to run along their new extension to Eridge, carrying personnel during test/press runs with Class 37 37254. The vehicle was also able to be propelled during these crucial operations prior to the grand opening. 56408 continued to see regular use in the railway's loco hauled coaching stock set for a further ten years before a review of coaching stock resulted in the vehicle becoming surplus to requirements. The combination of the departure of the Class 115 set and the aquisition of more Mark 1 coaches led to 56408 being offered for sale in June 2021. By the autumn the vehicle had been sold to the Lavender Line and it was moved to its new home in October 2021. With no compatible powercars based on the line, it was clear that 56408's future was to continue as a push/pull loco hauled trailer. |
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Future Plans |
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56408 departing Tonbridge Wells West bound for its new home at Isfield, Lavender Line, 5/10/21. Spa Valley Railway |
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56408 stored at the Spa Valley, surplus to requirements and for sale, 13/6/21. John Nye |
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56408, now starting to look a little faded on certain panels of the body, stabled at Tonbridge Wells West depot, 12/6/19. Aaron Browning |
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56408 performs its usual role of operating as loco hauled stock, this time at Eridge during a diesel gala attatched to a visiting Class 25, 1/8/15. Richard Moxon |
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56408 stabled at Tonbridge Wells West, 15/7/12. 15038 |
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56408 stands at Groombridge whilst on the rear of a loco hauled service during the line's summer diesel gala. The gantry is part of the Groombridge resignalling prject which aims to double the capacity of the line by installing a passing loop, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |
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56408 stands at Groombridge whilst on the rear of a loco hauled service during the line's summer diesel gala. The vehcile is now regularly in use as an observation saloon, and has received the Southern Region coaching stock green liver to match the other coaches in the rake, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |
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56408 stands at Eridge during the line's summer diesel gala. This was the first diesel event to include running into the mainline interchange station at Eridge, a long held ambition of the Spa Valley Railway. 56408 (propelled by a Class 37) was one of the first trains to travel down the (unique in preservation) 1 mile section of paralel running with Network Rail, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |
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56408 undertaking poineering runs along the SVR's Eridge extension, 11/3/11. twpudd |
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56408 stabled at Tonbridge Wells, 1/8/08. David Beardmore |
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56408 with Class 115 51669 at Tunbridge Wells. Stuart Pay |
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56408 at the Spa Valley, 6/6/04. Peter Wreford |
Interior
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The front passenger saloon inside 56408 when stored at the Spa Valley, surplus to requirements and for sale, 13/6/21. John Nye |
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56408's front saloon. Note the blue Formica which has survived refurbishment when this saloon was declassified from first to second class, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |
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56408's middle saloon. Note the green Formica which has survived refurbishment during the 1970's/1980's, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |
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56408's rear saloon, including the toilet. The seating looks very smart having been reupholstered, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |
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A vestibule in 56408. The orange Formica has been painted white, 6/8/11. Chris Moxon |