Rehome a SWR Island Line train ('38 stock)

An advantage of keeping it in current condition is that it's a compromise to both viewpoints. It remains in a BR-style condition, as many people will remember them, but also it remains in a pseudo-LU external livery.

I think the latter will be particularly important if it is going to Epping-Ongar, as it'll help it 'look the part'. Obviously it'll still have yellow yarning panels and the ugly white roof if retained in its current livery, but it's going to fit in better than full NSE livery would.

Our committee has dedicated much thought to this. Our plans basically break down as follows;

- External condition to be mostly unaltered, although we would like to represent the original market lights even if only with the paint finish. Mechanical condition to remain largely unaltered besides changing the source of the traction current to batteries.

- Liveries are, in the most part, to be LT. For 2026-2030 we are considering possibly returning the unit to NSE livery to commemorate the 40th anniversaries of NSE (1986), Island Line as a brand (1989), the introduction of the 483s (1989) and out unit's arrival on the Island (1990). The reasons we wish to revert to LT liveries are that firstly our aim is to provide the EOR with a set of tube stock that at least superficially resembles something which ran on the line during its LT days. This means 1950s LT Train Red is most appropriate, given it was only in the latter part of that decade that a '38 stock unit ran there alongside the '35 stock. Secondly, we are primarily an LT, rather than Isle of Wight focused Group. Thirdly, with at least two other units set to be preserved in some form or other there's plenty of time for all of the class' liveries to be covered! We will not, I think, be changing anything else about the unit's external condition.

- Internally we intend to simply get out the cerulean blue paint and to replace the Moquette, when it needs replacing, with one of those carried by the stock in LT days. We're also considering backdating the floor and possibly backdating the lighting at a later date, probably after 2030 in the case of the floor and lighting. We would also like to reinstate the spring hangers if possible.

Whilst the LTM's '38 stock set is gorgeous, it is also not much use for running on a heritage line unassisted. We want to provide the EOR with a train of tube stock that is able to function on its own and as it would in service, but without the requirement for juice rails. We don't intend to make any changes that couldn't be undone to return the unit to 483 condition and shall retain any 483 components we remove that are not life-expired.

I don't suppose that there is the remotest chance that an example of the 35TS happens to be among the surviving 38s?

I'm actually rather fond of how the NSE livery looked on the 38TS but I do think that the best place for a unit to be preserved in that livery would be on the Isle of Wight itself since that's the part of the stocks history that it represents. I agree that the EOR unit should be in an LT livery.

Perhaps the 1935 trains with the streamlined fronts would be best memoralised in model format OO or O scale ... although maybe if someone had enough money a non-working replica could be built for an indoor museum! 

If all of the current IOW withdrawals aren't re-homed, then perhaps a pair could be stored somewhere pending such a conversion.

Not so; At least three are set to be re-homed. One to us, one to the IoWSR and one to go to the old Bembridge platform at Brading.

The Railway Heritage Designation Advisory Board was only concerned with managing the disposal of 483006 and 483007, so theoretically the rest COULD be scrapped, but SWR want to avoid doing this.

I believe the town council are the ones acquiring it. I seem to recall they either own or lease both the station buildings and the signalbox which form a heritage centre. Hasn't been open this year I believe, due to Covid. I don't know the full arrangements, but it's likely that the unit will be cared for.

A brief list of what could be available would be useful.

A few additions based on what has come to my attention (although other than for 006 and 007 don't take my word for it);

483002; Withdrawn 2008, awaiting contractors to undertake scrapping at St John's Road. Little more than bodyshells and bogies.

483004: Withdrawn 2019, Many parts stripped. Currently no plans for its preservation.

483006: Failed a few weeks ago, currently in the works on the jacks. Two new bogies are meant to arrive for it tomorrow. This unit is now destined for the LT Traction Group (to run on the EOR).

483007: Re-entered service on Friday following a 3-Year overhaul. Failed Yesterday Morning, though it's hoped that it'll return to service soon. Heading to the IoWSR for Preservation, initially in their Train Story museum.

483008: Failed and Withdrawn a few weeks ago. Unit set to be preserved in a static capacity but destination currently unknown. (I had previously suggested Brading, but this now seems not at all certain)

483009: Withdrawn 2015, subsequently used as depot Shunter. Enough parts remain to allow it to perform this function, otherwise largely stripped. Currently there are no plans for its preservation.

This is based on what I have gleaned from staff at Ryde and what I can say from our own negotiations with SWR management. Not to be taken as gospel, however.

Always wanted to take a ride on a 38 stock on the IOW, but Covid got in the way unfortunately.

At least two sets appear to be available at scrap price.
A fair representation of a '38 trailer could be made from a set which is 'little more than bodyshells and bogies'.

Has this been posted within this Learned Forum ?

www.llanellirailway.co.uk/single-post/ex-london-underground-stock-to-come-to-l-mmr

If it has been posted already then apologies for duplication, as my search using the forum search engine failed to pick up either "llanelli" and or "mynydd mawr" as search keywords and return any connected message result.

Must admit I had never heard of this outfit before and had to google them

They appear to be located somewhere around about
here
but you will have to fiddle with that URL text to make it work, because of the minus sign within the URL, and I not figured out how to post it herein so it does work. Copy and paste it and it will work.
<<rincew1nd: URL fixed>>

Can't help thinking Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr sort of looks a bit like inverted Merioneth & Llantisilly ................

I guess the D-trains aren't the only ex-LU stock, converted for mainline operation, to be moving to Wales imminently.