Dean Forest DMU Group’s Units: E50619,M51566, M51914, M56492, M59387   E50619 - Power Car M56492 - Trailer Car   Later designated by British Railways as Class 108, our DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units) are early examples of diesel railcar vehicles built at the B.R. Derby Works between 1958 and 1960. These were constructed in aluminium to a ‘Derby Lightweight’ design which provided a better engine power to weight ratio, than the ‘heavyweight’ DMU built of steel. The Dean Forest DMU Group was formed to purchase vehicles E50619 & M56492, which arrived at Norchard on 20th April 1992. Power car E50619 originally entered B.R. service in August 1958, the unpowered trailer M56492 in April 1960. These two vehicles had been latterly paired together at Bristol Bath Rd Depot in 1988 for working around the South West and South Wales. They were last used in an Emergency Services exercise at Gloucester Horton Rd Depot in November 1991, subsequently being stored as damaged and out of service. It was because of this that we came to buy them, saving another 2 heritage DMUs from the scrap yard. A tremendous amount of work has been put into making these two cars serviceable and pleasant to ride in, including a complete strip back to bare metal and repainting into the original Dark Brunswick Green with cream and black lining. M56492 had some seats removed during the internal restoration and a buffet constructed in their place, to serve our DFR passengers better.     M59387 - Centre Car Rare unpowered centre car M59387, supplied new in October 1958 and withdrawn October 1992 moved from Peak Rail to the Midland Railway Centre Derbyshire for a bogie swap, contract work on the internal ceilings and an exterior repaint into lined green. Further work is planned at the DFR for renewal of corridor connections, roof painting and further internal refurbishment.     M51933 - Power Car Power car M51933 (new Oct 60 & withdrawn Feb ’93) was deemed surplus to our present requirements on the DFR, and so after a period on long term loan to the Severn Valley Railway DMU Group they have subsequently purchased it. Based at Bewdley, it is enjoying ongoing refurbishment and future use on the SVR

Technical & Service Details   M51914 - Power Car M51914, a power car built in 1960, was purchased in 1994 by the Chairman of our Group from Bletchley Traction Depot. After years of hard work replacing the many missing parts, rewiring the electrics, completely refurbishing the passenger compartment and giving it a shiny new coat, the unit is back in operational service as the new partner to the trailer car M56492. This pairing of power and trailer car proved very reliable in running during 2004, operating on every one of the 90 days. This power car has had the original engine fire-extinguisher systems exchanged for an approved modern alternative.   M56495 - Trailer Car Trailer car M56495 was supplied new in May ’60 and withdrawn Oct ’93. Purchased by our DMU Group from the Northampton and Lamport Railway in 1999, it was used as a spare trailer car and storage vehicle on the DFR until sold on in June 2008. It is now in use as a static function and classroom on the Kirklees Light Railway in West Yorkshire. During early 2008 we were given the opportunity to purchase a 3 car Class 108 set residing at Peak Rail in Derbyshire, but stored out of use.   M51566 - Power Car Power car M51566 was new in November 1959, and withdrawn from traffic in December 1992. It moved to the DFR in May 2008 since when it has been undergoing a thorough mechanical overhaul. All the internal seats were stripped out, removal of all damaged ceiling and wall panels, ousting of the ceiling water tanks and subsequent sealing of all the roof and top vents. The vehicle was made watertight, ready for its external repainting from Blue/Grey livery to lined green.       Why not join us?   Dean Forest DMU Group If you would like to receive updates on the progress of our DMUs then why not join our Group. We publish a comprehensive newsletter three times a year, and issue our own membership cards. In addition, as a member you can further support us by purchasing shares in our DMUs, helping towards restoration, and you will become the proud owner of one of our share certificates. Finally, if we can persuade you to actually help in restoration (please help !) - you will be welcomed with open arms, and a friendly atmosphere. Active membership of the group requires current membership of the Dean Forest Railway in addition. Click here for more information. Dean Forest DMU Group membership fees annually (January 1st to December 31st) are: Adult - £7.00 Child under 16, Senior Citizen - £5.00 Family - £10.00   Please send cheque payable to: DEAN FOREST DMU   Peter Collins Membership Secretary Dean Forest DMU Group 16 Bewley Way Churchdown Gloucester GL3 2DU We look forward to seeing you! For further information please email us.