59500 Class 117 Trailer Second Lavatory (Ex Composite Lavatory)

Home Railway		Location History	Wensleydale Railway Jan 05-Present
Current Location	Wensleydale Railway
Current Status	Stored
Current Livery	Non Standard Carmine (north side) & BR Green (south side)
TRA Designation	4
Partner Vehicle(s)	None
Owner
Website	None
Record Last Updated	19 October 2024
Preservation Modifications The vehicle contains no first class seating, these having been replaced with second class examples so 59500 is essentially now a TSL.
Preservation Information 59500 was latterly used in Class 117 3-car set 117311 in Scotland. It was preserved at the Wensleydale Railway and entered service quickly, its Scotrail/Regional Railways livery nicely matching that of the line’s Class 101 set, 50746/51210. In 2008, 59500 was repainted into Green, and was used in a variety in sets. However due to maintenance sets were noted as often being reformed. In 2010, the vehicle saw use in the summer as a loco hauled 4-car set with51813, 59509 & 50746. By 2012, 59500 had been painted into crimson on the south side suggesting intended use with the railway's vacuum braked loco hauled stock. However it was by this time stored out of service, following an aborted overhaul attempt to repair one end, which had involved removing the corridor connection for metalwork repairs which were never completed. 59500 became one of the many 1st generation DMU's stored in the sidings at Leeming Bar. By late 2020, the railway invited expressions of interest for a loan agreement as it was felt 59500 was too far down the list of potential restoration projects. This led to no takers and after four years had passed the vehicle was sold as a source of spares. 59500 remains stored in fairly poor condition and is expected to move shortly to its new owner.
Future Plans Uncertain

	59500 stored in the sidings at Leeming Bar, this is the end with the corridor connection missing, 6/10/19. Chris Moxon

	59500 stored in the sidings at Leeming Bar, Class 108 56274 is visible on the left, 6/10/19. Chris Moxon

	59500, in use as loco hauled stock, 21/8/10. Chris Moxon

	59500 in a hauled stock formation at Leyburn, 19/8/09. Bill Pugsley

	59500, seen stabled at Leeming Bar, 12/10/08. Graham Johnston

	59500 receiving body preparation at Leeming Bar as part of its repaint from Regional Railways into BR Green, 12/7/08. Brian Robertson

Interior

	The de-classified first class saloon in 59500, 21/8/10. Chris Moxon

	The larger second class saloon, 21/8/10. Chris Moxon

	The smaller second class saloon, 21/8/10. Chris Moxon