56495 Class 108 Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory
Home Railway |
Location History |
Northampton & Lamport Railway Nov 94-Oct 99 |
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Current Location |
Dean Forest Railway Oct 99-Jun 08 |
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Current Status |
Stored |
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Kirklees Light Railway Dec 08-Jul 24 |
Current Livery |
Non Standard Blue with Baloons |
West Somerset RailwaySep 24-Present |
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TRA Designation |
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Partner Vehicle(s) |
None |
Visited Railways |
Midland Railway Butterley (Contract Overhaul) Jun 08-Dec 08 |
Owner |
West Somerset Railway |
Private Site: Unknown Jul 24-Sep 24 |
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Website |
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Record Last Updated |
12 October 2024 |
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Preservation Modifications |
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Preservation Information The vehicle was later aquired by the Dean Forest DMU Group in 1999 where it joined three Class 108 vehicles at the Dean Forest Railway. The intention was for 56495 to join DMBS 51914 creating a second Power-Trailer set. Restoration was steady and although 56495 was operating as part of a four car set less than a month after its arrival, there was considerable work still to be completed, so the vehicle did not see regular passenger use. In 2008 the Dean Forest DMU Group aquired TSL 59387 and DMCL 51566 in order to form a 3-car set with 51914. This rendered 56495 redundant from the collection, and the vehicle was sold to the Kirklees Light Railway. In mid 2008 the vehicle went to the Midland Railway Butterley for contract restoration. It was repainted green and made suitable for use as a static classroom. This involved a bogie swap between several other vehicles with 56495 gaining the most worn examples, as they would not be required for its new role. An unusual feature was Class 101 style cream lining being applied. By the end of the year, the vehicle had been moved to its new home at Clayton West where it was used as a static coach. In 2015, the vehicle was brightened up by receiving a repaint into "party blue" with bunting and baloon logos on the exterior. By 2024 the Kirklees Light Railway had decided that 56495 was surplus to requirements and would be scrapped, with no spare parts offered to other organisations. The vehicle was duly removed from Clayton West in July of that year and was presumed to have been scrapped shortly afterwards. However in a surprise move, 56495 arrived two months later at the West Somerset Railway having dodged death! It is assumed that during the time it was "missing" it was stored in a haulage yard? 56495 has been held in storage since arrival. |
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Future Plans |