51384 Class 117 Driving Motor Second
Home Railway |
Location History |
Lavender Line Jul 94-Oct 96 |
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Current Location |
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Epping & Ongar Railway Jan 99-Present |
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Current Status |
Operational |
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Current Livery |
BR Green (Speed Whiskers) |
Visited Railways |
Private Site: Snetterton (storage) Oct 96-Jan 99 |
TRA Designation |
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Partner Vehicle(s) |
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Owner |
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Website |
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Record Last Updated |
1 January 2022 |
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Preservation Modifications |
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Preservation Information 51384 was moved with partner 51342 to Snetterton for storage prior to a planned move to the Mid Norfolk Railway. However this did not happen and the two vehicles moved to the embryonic Epping & Ongar Railway three years later. Whilst there, 51384 saw some use, the lack of run round facilities making the DMU set ideal for passenger services. 51384 was first repainted into a non authentic “Epping & Ongar” red livery in 2000. In 2002, the vehicle was repainted into lined blue, another non-authentic livery with Epping & Ongar branding. Between 2004 and 2007 51384 & 51342 were used on passenger shuttles along the line during weekends. 2007 saw the vehicles fall out of use after the Epping & Ongar Railway closed for redevelopment, the line also saw a change of ownership during the period. During this period of closure, 51384 & 51342 have been taken out of traffic to be restored to original condition. 51384 was returned to BR Green livery on one side, while work also progressed on the interior. The railway re-opened for passenger services in 2012 using loco hauled trains, and 51384's restoration continued. By 2013, the interior was approaching completion with new panelling installed, ceilings repaired, new reupholstered seating fitted and the cab refurbished. During 2015, the roof was cleaned up and repainted. By 2016, the sides had been rubbed down and during the summer its repaint into BR Green was completed. 51384 then entered service as hauled stock at the line's Steam Gala. In early 2017 the Colne Valley Railway based Class 121 trailer 56287 was hired as a temporary partner to 51384 so that DMU services could be introduced whilst the restoration of 51384's long term partner was completed. 51384 continues to run as a set with 56287 frequently and on a medium term basis, due to 51342's restoration having considerable delays. |
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Future Plans |
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51384/W56287 stabled at North Weald in classic British summer weather, on a closed day, 18/6/21. Ken Jones |
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An undated view of 51384/W56287 standing at North Weald, possibly taken in the February before the national lockdoen measures were taken, 2020. Reg Vardy |
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51384/W56287 passing the distinctive station building at North Weald, 8/8/19. Chris Baines |
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51384/W56287 are about to depart North Weald for Epping Forest passing a Class 31 which is waiting to head to Ongar, 7/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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51384/W56287 on a driver experience working at Ongar, 5/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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51384/W56287 arrives into Ongar on driver training runs prior to the unit's entry into passenger service, 1/3/17. Epping Ongar Railway |
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The roof of 51384 freshly completed, 8/1/16. David Hunnikin |
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Roof restoration in progress, 17/12/15. Colin Dye |
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The exterior restoration of 51384 will progress quicker after being accommodated indoors, 1/10/15. Colin Dye |
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Restoration continues, 14/3/14. Epping Ongar Railway |
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51384 undergoing restoration work at North Weald, 7/10/11. David Beardmore |
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Door card fitting, 2/11. Epping Ongar Railway |
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51384 stored at Ongar during the period when the line was closed and the vehicle out of traffic. Stuart Mackay |
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51384/51342 in service at Ongar, 2/1/05. Michael Wadman |
Interior
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View of the cab, drivers side, 5/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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View of the cab, secondmans side, 5/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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View of the front passenger saloon, 5/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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View of the middle passenger saloon, 5/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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View of the rear passenger saloon, 5/10/18. Chris Moxon |
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Reuphostered seating protected, 14/3/14. Epping Ongar Railway |
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Refurbished driving cab, 11/13. Epping Ongar Railway |
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Fully refurbished driver's seat ready for fitting, 10/13. Epping Ongar Railway |
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Freshly reupholstered seating fitted, 8/13. Epping Ongar Railway |
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Restoring interior window surrounds, 10/10. Epping Ongar Railway |