Gloucester 100 Trailer E56301
A Gloucester unit at Dereham station, 1978.
56301 was built in 1957, and in 1969 was the first diesel multiple unit to enter preservation. Having been allocated to Norwich, this unit is one of very few survivors that can lay claim to having operated over the Dereham to Wells branch during British Railway's days.
In 1999 the unit became surplus to the requirements of her owner. It was, therefore, made available for purchase by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, currently for static use at County School station.
The work on 56301 is generally to museum, rather than operational, standards as there are no immediate plans to use this veteran on service trains. Despite this it is hoped that one day she will return to use on the branch, and whenever possible repairs towards this end are made.
We still need additional volunteers to help restore this unit. After the refitting of the interior we will need to turn our attention towards the electrics and control systems so that the coach can eventually go back into service. Can you help?
E56301 after cosmetic external restoration.
Gallery
E56301 before cosmetic external restoration at Dereham.
56301 at County School station.
The main saloon with it's seats temporarily fitted (April 2001).
The original panels being restored in the 1st class section (April 2001).
The 1st class section (July 2002).
Wprk on building the display area in the main saloon (July 2002).
The 1968 batteries awaiting replacement (July 2002).
Last Rites On Main Line
2001 saw the final movement of a Gloucester class 100 on the main line, with a derelict E56106 being towed away for scrap by a pair of DRS class 20 locomotives. These pictures, taken by Frank Nicholas, show the last run of the longest serving 100.
Preservation News
??? 57 56301 is built.
??? 69 Unit is withdrawn and sent for scrapping.
??? 69 Bought by the Chasewater Railway.
Oct 93 Moved to the Uranium Fuel Center, Sellafield, for use with "Flying Scotsman".
Oct 93 Southport R.P.S. arrange for unit to be stripped of asbestos.
??? 95 Sellafield scheme fails and unit is threatened with scrapping again.
??? 95 Purchased by the National Diesel Railcar Museum project.
??? 95 Stored at the closed rail-served King's Lynn sugar factory.
Nov 96 56301 arrives at Dereham depot.
Jan 97 The N.D.R.M. fails, and the unit is acquired by Railcar Services.
Mar 97 Unit painted into green undercoat.
Feb 99 Due to poor condition unit is offered for sale by owners.
Mar 99 An independent group expresses interest in 56301.
Apr 99 Sale falls through and unit is scheduled for scrapping, again!
May 99 Railcar Services agree to sell unit to Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Jun 99 56301 is bought by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust.
Aug 99 Unit is moved to County School station.
Jun 00 External cosmetic restoration and repaint into early BR blue carried out.
Feb 01 Refitting on the stripped interior commences.
Mar 01 Original cab ceiling refit and restoration of first class compartment started.
Oct 01 Cracks in bodywork filled and prepared for winter.
Feb 02 Work on refurbishing underframes commences and painting of ceilings starts.
Feb 02 Painting of ceilings stops due to lack of quality paint!
Feb 02 Control desk cosmetic refurbishment completed.
Mar 02 Toilet compartment panels fitted.
Mar 02 Driver's cab opened to the public.
Apr 02 Heavy clean of first class compartment started.
Apr 02 Ceiling and luggage racks fitted in main saloon.
Apr 02 Partially restored First Class compartment opened to public.
Jun 02 Original light fittings returned, and fitting commenced.
Jul 02 Work on display area in main saloon commenced.
Oct 02 Start made on model railway display in main saloon.
Jul 03 Small relics diplay mounted in main saloon.
Oct 03 Photographic display mounted in main saloon.
Sep 03 Privately funded repaint of platform side of unit carried out.
Sep 03 56301 moved up to final location in main station for connection of mains lighting.
Jan 05 The rear saloon has been given a temporary ceiling and has been brought into use.
