51604 Class 127 Driving Motor Brake Second (Scrapped)
Last Location |
Location History |
South Devon Railway Feb 84-Feb 12 |
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Current Status |
Scrapped at Ropley, MHR 2012 |
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Mid Hants Railway Feb 12-Dec 12 |
Last Livery |
BR Green (Speed Whiskers) |
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Partner Vehicle(s) |
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Record Last Updated |
16 April 2023 |
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Preservation Modifications |
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Preservation Information During the 1990's the set was strengthened to 3-cars with the addition of Class 115 TCL 59719 and saw use for several years on off-peak services. The set was later purchased by the Red Triangle Society, a large group of railwaymen comprising of maintenance staff (fitters, electricians, supervisors and managers) based at Cricklewood depot (a 127 depot) along with senior staff from Derby Litchurch Lane (the builders of the 127). They were looking to supplement their own 127 set with a second. By the mid 2000's the set’s deteriorating condition meant increased periods out of use, only appearing for gala events and often as loco hauled coaching stock. It is thought that 51604's last day of passenger service was in November 2008. In 2011, a change in the owner’s priorities meant 51604 was offered to the Mid Hants Railway free of charge. Following a sucessful appeal to raise the transport costs, the vehicle made the move in February 2012, as a direct replacement for the railway's Class 117 3-car set which had departed the line in 2011. Restoration of 51604 started immediately, as it was the railway's wish to have the vehicle in traffic as soon as possible. The engines was made operational during 2012. However under further examination most of the doors and the vehicle's body were found to be badly corroded and would require a full rebuild before passenger service was possible. The MHR lacked the time and finance to undertake the work, so with scrap at a high price the decision was taken to scrap the vehicle instead. This proved a very controversial descision given the favourable terms that the Red Triangle Society had sold the vehicles on the understanding they would contionue to be preserved. 51604 was stripped of some useful reusable parts which were to be reused on 51618 at the Llangollen Railway and 55009 at the Mid Norfolk Railway. The process only took a matter of weeks and the vehicle was cut up on site during December 2012. The vehicle was not of too higher historical value, with six identical vehicles remaining in preservation after it was scrapped. |
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51604 at Ropley shed being rapidly stripped of useful parts before final scrapping, 12/12. John Joyce |
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51604 still well equipped, but time's up and the scrapman won't wait any longer, 12/12. John Joyce |
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51604 (left) and 51592 (right), being rapidly stripped of useful parts before final scrapping at Ropley shed, 12/12. John Joyce |
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51604 & 51592 stored at Alresford, 7/6/12. Richard Moxon |
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M51604 hauling a tail load , 27/4/08. Dave Moor |
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51604, 59719 & 51592 at Buckfastleigh in use as loco hauled stock, 26/4/08. Simon Edwards |
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51604 on the South Devon Railway, 7/4/06. David Beardmore |
Interior
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Probably the last image taken of 51604's interior! Seen stripped at Ropley just before scrapping, 12/12. John Joyce |