59387 Class 108 Trailer Second Lavatory

Home Railway

Dean Forest Railway

Location History

Peak Rail Apr 93-Aug 08

Current Location

Dean Forest Railway

Dean Forest Railway Aug 09-Present

Current Status

Operational

Current Livery

BR Green

Visited Railways

Midland Railway Butterley (Contract Restoration) Aug 08-Aug 09

TRA Designation

1

Partner Vehicle(s)

51914 & 51566

Owner

Dean Forest DMU Group

Website

deanforestrailway.co.uk/dmugroup

Record Last Updated

13 Janaury 2024

Preservation Modifications
Two double seats in the centre saloon have been turned 180 degrees to create a more family friendly facing bay. This has not affected the vehicle's overall seating capacity (68). The former toilet is out of use and is now used as a store.

Preservation Information
59387 was preserved by a private individual in 1993 and moved to Peak Rail. The fleet consisted of four sets (three 2-cars and a 3-car) and 59387 was the centre car in the 3-car set, along with DMBS 50933 and DMCL 51566. It is believed that the 3-car set was the only set to run in passenger service at Peak Rail.

In 2008, the Peak Rail fleet was quickly sold and disbanded, the three car set being purchased by the Dean Forest DMU Group.

59387 moved to the Midland Railway Butterley in 2008 for several contact repairs prior to moving to the Dean Forest Railway in 2009. Some of the work contracted included the fitting of overhauled bogies and a new interior ceiling.

Since arrival the vehicle underwent a general refurbishment prior to a launch into traffic.

On June 16th 2012, the vehicle was used in traffic for the first time on the DFR as part of their Railcar day. As partner 51566 was still under restoration, the vehicle was used in a mixed four car formation consisting of 51914, 59387, 50619 & 56492.

In 2014 59387 was formed into an accurate 3-car set with 50619 & 51566 after restoration of the latter was completed.

During 2015, 59387 mostly ran with 51566 &51914 and received repairs to its dynamo generator. It ran for over 1,300 miles over the year.

In 2017, 59387 ran a total of 473 miles as part of a 3-car set, less than in previous years.

In 2018, 59387 operated every DMU service with 50619 & 51566, and ran a total of 1,099 miles.

In 2019, 59387 again operated every DMU service with50619 & 51566, and ran a total of 1,142 miles.

With 51914/56492 expected to re-enter service in 2020, 59387 was withdrawn from service at the end of 2019 for essential maintenance.

In April 2022, with further repairs completed to other vehicles, 59387 returned to regular service with 51914 & 51566. In 2022, 59387 operated 252 miles, mainly in the 3-car set though there were also some interesting 4 & 6 car formations.

2023 saw 59387 only used on three occasions with a modest 86 miles being run. The vehicle was withdrawn from service for repairs in August with the interior being the focus. Water damaged ceilings in saloons and vestibules were replaced and woodwork repairs undertaken around one of the corridor connections.

Future Plans
To maintain in service.

59387 stands at parkend working the 14:40 Parkend-Lydney Junction, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

59387, awaiting repairs to be completed on its powercars at Norchard, 23/10/21. Darren JB

59387, with 51566 having been split off for other duties, stabled at Norchard. This unique centre car was spending a period out of traffic for repairs, 26/9/20. Mark Miller

59387 separated from its powercars at Norchard, 7/8/19. Nigel Benning

E59387 stabled at Norchard, 16/5/18. Anthony Christie

New batteries being fitted to 59387, 6/1/16. Chris Bull

59387 stands in Norchard yard before making a test run the day before its passenger debut at the Dean Forest following full refurbishment, 15/6/12. Alan Pace

Work continues on 59387 at Norchard, Dean Forest Railway, 28/5/11. Chris Walker

59387, now in green, at Lydney Junction, 11/8/09. Dean Forest DMU Group

59387 being worked on inside the shed at Butterley, 31/3/09. Dean Forest DMU Group

59387 being worked on inside the shed at Butterley, 31/3/09. Dean Forest DMU Group

59387 now transferred to the MRB for contract restoration work priot to moving to the Dean Forest, January 2009. Eddie Knorn

59387 outside the Peak Rail carriage shed, 10/6/02. Stuart Mackay

59387 at Peak Rail. Ian Francis

The ununsual large front vestibule (where the cab would otherwise be located) inside 59387, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

The front saloon inside 59387, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

The middle saloon inside 59387, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

The rear saloon inside 59387, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

A vestibule and door inside 59387, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

The former toilet compartment inside 59387, 23/4/22. Chris Moxon

59387's interior, 16/6/12. Chris Walker

The middle saloon, 31/3/09. Dean Forest DMU Group

The rear saloon under restoration, 31/3/09. Dean Forest DMU Group

The front saloon, 28/3/09. Chris Moxon

The middle saloon, 28/3/09. Chris Moxon

The rear saloon, 28/3/09. Chris Moxon