WSR DMU APPEAL

The WSR DMU urgently needs refurbishment and overhaul.

The WSR owns a working Class 115 DMU 3 car set.  This consists of power cars DMBS 51880 and DMBS 51859 plus TCL 59678.  It is the only class 115 set still in operation.

The British Rail Class 115 Diesel Multiple Units were high-density sets which operated the outer-suburban services from Marylebone Station usually on the Chiltern Main Line and Great Central Main Line.  

The WSR also owns class 117 power car W51354.

The WSR DMU urgently needs refurbishment and overhaul. The unit has been assessed and the intention is, following testing,  to operate a hybrid DMU set using power cars 51354 (class 117) and 51880 (class 115) whilst car 51859 undergoes a much needed C3 classified repair overhaul.  TCL 59678 and DMBS 51880 are in a fair condition but will also need work as soon as possible.

Latest UPDATE – JULY 2024

Unfortunately power car 51354 has been found to have defective brake cylinders and so is unable to operate until they can be replaced with overhauled cylinders.  The planned hybrid set is therefore not able to work this summer.

Power car 51859 has undergone a temporary repair  to the roof and bodywork and passed an A exam, which enables it to operate under running maintenance and it will therefore be seen in service on the railway during the 2024 Summer season.

This simply goes to illustrate the precarious nature of the DMU and the urgent need for longer term sustainable repairs to all the cars.

The focus of the immediate work is Class 115 DMBS 51859 which is overdue an overhaul.

Paying for the work – CAN YOU HELP?

It is estimated that the work will cost £220,000, which is rather more than expected.  As it is the only operational class 115 set still in service, we are keen to preserve it, but that needs a lot of funding. The WSRA and the WSR PLC have each pledged £20,000 towards the work.  But that still leaves a huge £180,000 to find.  It’s possible that the WSRA and WSR PLC will be able to contribute more in future years, but the work is urgent and the DMU is a workhorse that the railway relies on to cover the quieter periods of the year.  Your donations would help ensure that the work can be done in the shortest possible timescale for the railway.

How to Donate to the DMU refurbishment fund:

Donate online

It’s quick and easy and you can choose to add gift aid to your donation.

Please note that your donation IN FULL will go to the WSRA’s DMU fund.  Our partner payment platform will ask you to contribute to their costs (this is voluntary) but will not deduct anything from the WSRA.

Donate by BACS

Send your donation directly from your bank account to ours.

Please send your donation to:
Sort code 30-97-00
Account no 00443258
Ac. name  West Somerset Railway Association
Reference: DMU  ‘your surname’

If you are not already registered with us for Gift Aid and would like to apply gift aid to your donation please complete The Gift Aid Declaration and send it to us.

Donate by cheque

Send us your donation cheque payable to West Somerset Railway Association.  Please write DMU fund on the back of the cheque BUT DO NOT INCLUDE IT IN THE PAYEE LINE, as that may result in a returned cheque.

If you are not already registered with us for Gift Aid and would like to apply gift aid to your donation please complete The Gift Aid Declaration and send it to us.

West Somerset Railway Association, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, TA4 3BX