Restoration of motor coach 60019

This article was created on 18 June 2005, and last updated on 19 March 2008.

Above: On Friday 14 March 2008 this motor coach’s engine was started for the first time in about 15 months, following overhaul. 60019 stands alongside Southern DMU number 171 721. Photo by Dave Markwick.

Our fourth motor coach, No. 60019, is undergoing restoration. This work was begun at the start of 2005, with the intention that it should “catch up” with that taking place on trailer car 60528. Work on the two cars would then proceed in tandem, with the intention that they be outshopped together.

Above: The front of this motor-coach is seen under heavy repair in this shot, with a new windscreen-glass having been installed, and progress being made with welding. Uncovered during these works were the original “1013” numerals, in cream, outlined in black.

This view of the cab interior shows the installation of AWS equipment. Also visible is a mock-up box with the release-buttons for Central Door Locking; above this will be fitted the DRA unit which is seen on the desk by the brake-handle.

Above & Below: These underframe views (from June 2005) demonstrate that the application of primer (green or red, which are equivalent) had been completed; the upper photo shows the brake cylinder between the fuel tanks, and the lower picture shows the yellow stands which are supporting the carriage-body instead of the front bogie.

The above four photos by Mike Pannell on 3 June 2005.

The seating-moquettes are all being re-trimmed at a local workshop, just a couple of miles away in St. Leonards.

Central Door Locking & On-Train Monitoring Recorders

60019 was originally to be a testbed for the introduction of Central Door Locking on DEMU vehicles. On 18 June 2005, the control unit was being fitted into the ceiling void above the rear vestibule of this motor coach.

During the course of the general overhaul and restoration work, we have taken the opportunity to continue the fitting of Central Door Locking and On-Train Monitoring Recorders to this motor coach.

Above: This is the new connection-box for Central Door Locking, as fitted in the guard’s van of 60019. The original blue & grey livery is visible on the inward-opening door on the right.

Above: In April 2006 the bodywork was under general repair and repaint throughout the vehicle. Note the headcode-blinds with conventional font, which we were unable to source for fitting to sister motor-coach Mountfield, which displays somewhat-narrower numerals of a more modern design.

Radiator replacement and engine overhaul

In July 2004 we ran a news article stating that this motor coach was started up about every month. This ceased taking place by the end of 2006, as the power unit’s radiator needed replacing: the orignal one was in very poor condition and leaked badly. This was one step in an engine-overhaul project which took place throughout 2007 as and when time permitted. The compressor was also overhauled. The engine was back together in March 2008 and the power unit was “run up” for the first time in about 15 months (see photo at top of page).

Above: The new radiator fitted to 60019. Photos by Andy Armitage.