M50455 Restoration (1999-2004)

2000 saw the restoration begin to move forwards (in parallel with M50517’s). many components were removed, the interior stripped out and restoration of the myriad of individual interior bits and pieces started.

2001 saw the bulk of the bodywork completed inside Cheddleton shed, involving much sanding and filling after the new metalwork had been completed.

Mechanically, the vehicle was made operational (in a sense) with the revival of both of the engines. The vehicle also moved under its own power for the first time in a good few years during this period.

The big news for summer 2002 was the gloss painting and lining of M50455, completed in the shed at Oakamoor, which brought the external restoration of the vehicle to a close. The repaint was made possible following a final 3-week marathon of sanding and filling during May, and also after the final cleaning and painting of the roof.

During the diesel gala in September 2002, the vehicle was instead put on static display showing off its brand new paint scheme. The access to water was also taken advantage of and the coolant systems filled.

Inside the vehicle, the new veneered panelling had arrived and was being fitted over the winter, in preparation for the “home straight” of seat fitting.

2003 saw the last of the interior work completed. New flooring was fitted to the guards floor as the originals had rotted away under the steel chequer plate.

The cabs also received a final coat of paint.

Mechanically, teething troubles were starting to be tackled in preparation for a return to service. The brake blocks were changed amongst other, smaller, components.

2004 saw a final push to make the vehicle mechanically fit for regular traffic. By August the unit was undertaking test runs having had final preparations such as new oils and filters.

After one last external clean and polish, the unit was complete.

Five years after the start of the restoration project, during the last weekend of September 2004, the two car unit (including M50455) was launched into traffic.

The event the unit was to carry its first preservation era passengers was the Swansong of Steam event, which also saw the commissioning on the railway’s passing loop, enabling two train running for the first time as well. This role as the “second train” was to become the main use for M50455.