EAST SOMERSET CLASS 108 RESTORATION NEARS COMPLETION

SET L231, the Class 108 DMU formed of DMBS 51909 and DTCL 54271 on the East Somerset Railway, moved under its own power for the first time in almost two years on June 25 as a programme of repairs and refurbishments nears completion. Owned by the Mendip Traction & Rolling Stock Group, vehicle 51909 has been undergoing a rebuild, as well as the unit being repainted into BR blue with small yellow warning panels.

The owners have taken advantage of the DMU being out of service to carry out modifications to the Guards' area within 51909, which has received a fixed bench seat and tip-up seating along, with a wheelchair ramp also provided to ensure that the DMU is accessible and welcoming to wheelchair users. Despite these changes there is still accommodation provided for the guard on the train.

The DMU has also received new anti-slip floor coverings and replacement chequer plates in the doorways and the unit is expected to re-enter service in the near future following some refresher training for crews.