59490 Class 117 Trailer Composite Lavatory (Scrapped)

Last Location

Swansea Vale Railway

Location History

Crewe Carriage Sidings Feb 94-Aug 99

Current Status

Scrapped at Ammanford Metal Recycling Apr 2009

Swansea Vale Railway Aug 99-Mar 09

Last Livery

BR Green

Partner Vehicle(s)

51135 & 51148

Visited Railways

East Lancashire Railway

Record Last Updated

1 October 2020

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
59490 was originally preserved by Pete Waterman, appearing at the East Lancs Railway as a 3-car set withDMBS 51360 & DMS 51402 during a gala event. The details as to the exact location of the set between 1994 & 1999 are sketchy with movements between the ELR, Crewe Basford Hall yard, Crewe Heritage Centre and Crewe Carriage Sheds taking place during this time.

The 3-car set was later disbanded with all three receiving new homes. 59490 was moved to the Swansea Vale Railway in 1999.

The vehicle was quickly made operational and had joined 51135 & 51148in the operational set by September 1999.

During the 2000's the railway struggled to keep on top of a long series of vandal attacks, the situation made worse by the lack of undercover accommodation and security. 59490 did not escape the attacks, with smashed windows being a typical example. Volunteers chose to try and keep the operational set in reasonable condition, so 59490 continued in service while other vehicles on site sadly deteriorated.

In June 2008 the railway was hit by a serious arson attack and all seven of the DMU vehicles on the railway were damaged to varying degrees, ranging from light external damage to fully gutted vehicles. Following this incident, the railway later ceased operations and agreed to close the site and relocate the salvageable assets to the nearby Gwili Railway.

59490 was considered as being damaged beyond repair, so in Spring 2009 the vehicle was dispatched to Ammanford Metal Recycling where it was scrapped. 59490 had little historical significance and several Class 117 TCLs still survive, the class being one of the most numerous in preservation.

59490 on display at Crewe Basford Hall yard during an open day, 27/8/95. Nick Blyth

A corridor end view of 59490 on display at Crewe Basford Hall yard during an open day, 27/8/95. Nick Blyth