59521 Class 117 Trailer Composite Lavatory
Home Railway |
Location History |
Private Site: Winfrith Jul 04-Mar 07 |
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Current Location |
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Midland Railway Butterley Mar 07-Mar 12 |
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Current Status |
Stored |
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Helston Railway Mar 12-Present |
Current Livery |
Primer |
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TRA Designation |
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Partner Vehicle(s) |
None |
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Owner |
Private |
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Website |
None |
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Record Last Updated |
1 October 2022 |
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Preservation Modifications |
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Preservation Information The vehicle was purchased by Dorset County Council who wished to obtain three 3-car Class 117 sets for a proposed community rail link between Swanage and Wareham. 59486 joined 2-car set51353 & 51395and in 2004 the 3-car unit was moved to a private site in Dorset where all nine of the Class 117 vehicles were being stored in readiness for the Swanage Railway's Wareham extension to bear fruit. However in 2007 the site had to be cleared with one set relocating to the Weardale Railway and the other two to the Midland Railway Butterley, all for storage. 51353, 59521 & 51395were one of the sets moved to the latter location in March 2007. 59521 remained in store, with no work being undertaken on the vehicle. After many years out of use, the vehicle had deteriorated in condition. During this time, some seating was removed from the vehicle. By 2011 it was understood that Dorset County Council would no longer be proceeding with the plan to operate the nine Class 117 vehicles, and 59521 was sold to two private individuals who in turn advertised the vehicle for sale publically. Although earmarked for providing spare parts and later scrap, the vehicle was purchased by another two individuals. They moved the vehicle to their base at the Helston Railwayin March 2012, where restoration started immediately. Interior work during the summer of 2012 included a ceiling repaint and a deep clean of the seating, panels and lino which improved its appearance considerably. One panel on the outside was repainted into GWR Chocolate & Cream livery as a taster of what it may look like when fully restored as a hauled coach. Sadly the work would later stall and 59521 was put into storage, with the line's limited number of volunteers moving onto starting other projects instead. It has since laid at various sites around the railway but is normally found at Trevarno station, and it is now believed that the interior is at least partly stripped out. |
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Future Plans |
Interior