Standard Stock Preservation

Thanks reg, that seems to suggest that one of each design of car is to be preserved (bar the 1931 trailer). Pity no-one wants to form a 7car train!

Unless I have missed the point or something, what is the problem of forming a 4-car train out of -

846 / 7296 / S49 - 1923 CL trailer
1789 / 5279 / S27 - 1925 MCCW CT
320 / 3370 / L134 - 1927 MCCW DM
297 / 3327 - 1927 MCCW DM
3693 / L131 - 1934 MCCW DM

.... all of which are in LTM Acton

There are three motor cars, a trailer and a control trailer, and one is so formed at the moment - (West) L134 - 49 - 27 - L131 (East).

I think the biggest problem is the work that needs to be done to get them 'looking' like a Standard Stock train, even 'cosmetically', let alone getting them operational. We can but dream!

I'm rather disappointed the Isle of Wight Railway didn't see fit to acquire a couple for preservation, even as static exhibits as they form part of the Island railway history.

The IOW Steam Railway decision was taken due to the asbestos content of the stock. This also may have a bearing on the fact that the two Pilot Motors are being retained at Acton.

Asbestos may have played a role in the decision not to accept the offer of a CT by NSE to the Isle of Wight Railway in the late 80's, but the official reason was given as "lack of space". This may well have been true to a point, but I have always thought "lack of interest" would have been more accurate. It is surprising how many people regarded the "Mole Trains" as a bit of a joke, but the lack of representative vehicles on the Island today means in effect a loss of revenue from those who would have come to see them. Standard stock cannot be seen on display anywhere today on a regular basis, so I consider that decision to be ill judged.
As I understand it, asbestos in any item for preservation is best left undisturbed. It becomes a hazard if the item is to be dismantled / scrapped, or if major structural work is required in the area where asbestos is located, and stands a chance of being broken. Awareness and responsibilty lies with the owner if any of these situations are likely to arise.

Yes, it probably is unfair, but I have no doubt that space could have been found had there been the enthusiasm and interest. The decision to turn down the offer was made without reference to the wider membership, who may well have supported the project both in terms of practical and financial help. There may well have been other issues to consider, but this has not prevented other individuals and preserved railways from securing stock of a similar vintage and build, with all of the problems they contain.
The future aim of the IWSR to aquire a '38 cab for display is to be applauded, although it would be like presenting a Rolls Royce Grille with no car behind it. Sorry if that sounds negative, but I have never believed in half measures.

Well they've got a second chance now if they decide to rescind! Thats if there's anything left at Eastleigh by now

Ex IOW DM's 2 & 7 have gone to Eastleigh for scrapping and component recovery for the 4 car set at Acton. Asbestos removal will be part of that proccess, and much of the vehicle's structure will be have to be removed in order to do so. Rust (worse than it appears, although not beyond repair) will mean further damage during the proccess. Even if Knightsrail were asked to keep the structures as intact as possible with a view to purchase, the remaining hulks would require major work and expense for even a cosmetic restoration. I fear any sort of approach would be too late now. What is not too late though is the aquisition of the Ex IOW trailer which, at the time of writing, is still at Acton. The asbestos content of this car, as I understand it, is zero, or at least minimal, and is in better condition than the DM's were. However, I am reliably informed that the IWSR Board (again without consulting the wider Membership) have expressed no desire to aquire this vehicle, even if it was privately funded. After 23 odd years of service on the Island, the most logical home outside of London is not going to happen. Sad end to a hard and historic life.

The existance of the Standard cars (other than the four car heritage set within the Depot) has been common knowledge for many years. It would seem that none of them were scheduled for restoration in their own right, rather that they were gathered together as a fleet of possible component donors. Scrapping of these cars had been rumoured for some time, and obviously started to ring alarm bells among those who were keen to see one or two saved from such a fate. An approach by a contact of mine to the IWSR some 18 months ago about their possible aquisition of maybe one car was met with a negative response, even with financial help, and it is unlikely their position has changed since then. It would be wrong to try and make them feel obliged to act. We have to accept that their decision has been made, and trust that some alternative arises before it's too late, if indeed such is possible. My own interest is with the stock in general, not just the IOW cars, but it is frustrating in the extreme that their numbers are dwindling, and there seems little hope for the remainder. One has to hope that work on the 4 car Heritage set at Acton will proceed sooner rather than later, considering the component recovery taking place in Eastleigh. Check the Knightsrail blog for this, and also the page on asbestos.

I would agree that PC850 should be reserved because of it's uniqueness, but I would also argue that the rest are just as deserving because out of 1,466 vehicles built, they are the only ones left, and time is rapidly running out. I am assuming that some, if not all of the remaining cars at Acton will not be used purely as a source of spare parts, and are to be eventually disposed of. I know their condition is not great, and there are issues to be dealt with, but if they are to avoid the cutter's torch, now is the time to act. (In the same way the Acton Shunter found a new home). The major problem is that we are reliant on others to provide the means and facilities for any such venture. The most obvious of these is the IOW, but the will and interest, at least from the Company, has never been there. So what are the alternatives? Is there a "Plan B"? Regardless of the reason for the cars being at Acton, I have always thought that they would eventually be disposed of, and have tried like blazes to gain promise of support, both financial and practical, from other admirers of the breed, to make a realistic approach to Acton / LUL possible, but the results after many months are disapointing. It would seem there are not enough of us to make a go of it. I am not about to give up, but it's the old "banging the head on the brick wall" scenario.

I think I will stick my neck out and contact LUL next week to find out exactly what the plans are for the surplus Standards at Acton, as I believe that they are the owners. Hopefully it will remove some of the guesswork from the current situation. If they are definately surplus to requirements and are available for sale, I will enquire as to price, terms and conditions. The stumbling block may well be the old asbestos problem - current legislation is a bit of a minefield. Could also be that disposal has already been agreed. If the outcome is on the positive side though, at least it will give a target to achieve and might stir up some support. As I stated earlier, there can be no reliance on any major body or organisation to come to the rescue - I strongly suspect this will have to be from the man in the street.

To keep them existant would surely minimum be suitable space, transport costs, and a large enough tarp. Don't think LUL would want money for such vehicals if to be 'preserved'. Please keep us informed 23stock. Wonder if EOR might be useful to contact?

Any mechanical component, interior fittings, window and door fittings. The list could go on and on. Don't forget that the vehicles being preserved are 75-85 years old and almost every component is longer made.

Based on the photo's of the two DM's after arrival at Eastleigh, condition is poor - exterior panels showing plenty of rust, but not beyond repair or replacement. Question is how much rust has got into the main structure and frames. The photo of the interior shows it to be in remarkably good shape, but again that could be hiding some horrors. Obviously a very close inspection would be needed, and could be a deciding factor, but in general the condition is what you would expect after 20 odd years in the open.
Component recovery would at a guess be any useable item not rusted through or seized solid. Presumably Acton has compiled a shopping list, but hopefully not including bogies and wheel sets or other non-replacable parts like doors etc.
As soon as I get some info from LUL, I will post. Fingers crossed!!!