… but two vehicles from derelict LMS Class 503 EMU are set to be scrapped

AFTER HIGHLIGHTING the plight of the unrestored sole-surviving Lms-built Merseyrail Class 503 electric multiple unit last year and seeking interest in other preservationists to take on the restoration of the derelict three-coach EMU ( Railways Illustrated issue 246), the Heritage Electric Trains Trust has announced plans to dispose of two coaches from the train, while retaining the driving motor brake standard vehicle for future restoration.

The Class 503 – consisting of DMBS 28690, trailer standard 29720 and driving trailer standard 29289 – was secured by HETT following the closure of the Electric Railway Museum in Coventry in 2017. The EMU was moved to Locomotive Services Group’s storage facility in the former Hornby Railways factory at Margate, which LSG is currently transforming into the One:one Collection museum, displaying a wide variety of rolling stock from LSG’S collection and other selected exhibits. HETT also owns 4-SUB 4732, which will eventually form one of the exhibits to be displayed at the Margate museum. However, the poor condition of the three-coach Class 503 EMU means it cannot remain at Margate and must be relocated. The interior of the DTS has been stripped out, with the fittings and furnishings stored but in poor condition, while the TS is partially stripped. The DMBS is still complete internally and in reasonable condition but still needs a complete and comprehensive overhaul.

HETT said funding only exists for the storage of one vehicle, while the display of a single vehicle in the future will still offer the same interpretation value as displaying the complete unit. The trust now plans to retain DMBS 28690, and the reduction in associated costs from storing three vehicles makes restoration of the vehicle a more viable option over the next decade. In mid-february, HETT stressed that if any other organisations or preservationists wanted to acquire the two trailer vehicles, they should make contact without delay, or the vehicles will be sent for scrapping. Prospective new owners for the coaches must provide evidence that they can remove the vehicles at their own expense from Margate within two months, have a guaranteed location to move them to, and provide an indication of future prospects and ambitions. HETT can be contacted at hello@hett.org.uk and further information about the trust can be found at www.hett.org.uk

HETT Following the withdrawal of the Class 503s from regular service with Merseyrail, the historic EMU was retained by British Rail for use on special events and was restored to LMS maroon livery. The unit is in poor condition and requires considerable work. The Heritage Electric Trains Trust has announced that driving motor brake standard vehicle 28690 will be retained for future restoration, with the two trailer vehicles set to be disposed of.