ADB977554 (Cosmetic) Restoration
Project Commencement: July 2008
In an attempt to make the 2008 Scenic Railcar Weekend more attractive, the group had the idea of cosmetically restoring M56182 "on the cheap" so it was presentable enough to recreate its days as a Sandite Car hauled by a diesel.
Two Class 104 driving trailer (DTCL) vehicles were converted for this role, 56182 & 56183. While the latter was scrapped, the former lay forgotten at Buxton depot until 2011 when it was rescued for prservation by the BRCW Group. The vehicle was stripped of its interior and fitted with sandite tanks which sprayed the gritty deposit on the rails during autumn to aid traction of heavy freight trains in the Peak District during the 1980's.
The group wished to make the brakes and lighting operational on the vehicle and contract a quick repaint (no bodywork) to smarten up the exterior to a level where it could be hauled and photographed as a feature for the gala.
2008: "Fast-Track" Restoration
Two months of work followed, with the mechanical parts such as brakes, horns and air systems being done by the group.
Several smashed windows had to be changed, as did a spring hanger on one of the bogies which was bent during the transportation in 2001.
The bodywork was contracted to Heritage Restorations who are based at Oakamoor, and the vehicle was turned out in September sporting a fresh coat of BR Blue.
Project Completion: September 2008
Thankfully everything was complete in time and a shiny ADB977554 was used over the two days of the gala.
The vehicle was later tripped back down to Oakamoor, where the vehicle remains awaiting its turn for full restoration to passenger carrying standards.
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