Standard Stock Preservation

[Ben]

Trawling through old threads, I came across this one posted by member 'Aldwych' of standard stock cars and TRC912 awaiting scrapping (the pics are sad but not nasty just to warn):

districtdave.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=481

Which cars are the standards?
Can't find any deffinitive up to date info about which cars remain now. Not even Daves revamped website acknowleges the (perilous) existance of LUL owned standards at Acton...

The last written preserved list I've got is very out of date (1997) so I'd really appreciate an update! Thanks very much.

3706 (34MC)
3209 (31MC)
7281 (23CL)
3690 (34MC)
3701 (34MC)
7061 (31B)
7063 (31B)
7071 (31B)
3327 (27M)
3693 (34MC)
3370 (27M)
5279 (25M)
7296 (23CL)

Clearly two of the Birmingham cars have gone and the future looks bleak for many more.

Why has there not been more of an effort to preserve these cars; surely their age makes them important? Have LUL deliberately adopted the policy that these cars would be left to rot and then quietly disposed of?

[reganorak]

The LT Museum has the following which are 'safe' in the Museum Depot at Acton, if nothing else, at the moment:

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

At Acton Works waiting disposal:

7281 / S44 - 1923 CL trailer
3209 / S7 - 1931 MCCW DM
7061 / PC850 - 1931 BRCW trailer
3690 / L130 - 1934 MCCW DM
3701 / L135 - 1934 MCCW DM
3706 / S2 - 1934 MCCW DM

[Ben]

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!

[metman]

There's problems forming a 4 car train at the moment!

[reganorak]

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!

[Ben]

I'd prefer them to be running looking rough than vice versa, simply because once they are restored cosmetically it becomes far easier to put off any other work and leave them as stationary exibits. If they work, then no matter how ropey, theyve at least got a way to earn their means and fund any further restoration.

All of the IOW cars arrived near enough ex service condition. No matter how grotty they were its doubtful they are in anywhere near as good shape now...

[roythebus]

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.

[23stock]

I am afraid to say that the Isle of Wight Steam Railway turned
down the offer of a Control trailer (the one which was used for
clearance trials with No24 Calbourne in 1966) when the Standard
stock was being replaced by the '38 stock in 1989. Their negative
attitude towards this stock has not changed, despite their stated
desire to preserve items with an Island railway history.

[Glyn]

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.

[phillw48]

Asbestos is probably the reason for scrapping. It is often the case that asbestos cannot be removed without causing considerable damage. There are many components however that can be recovered as spares for that stock that is being preserved.

[23stock]

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.

[christopher125]

That seems rather unfair, lack of space and asbestos are pretty fundamental issues. While they may not interest everyone at the IWSR, i remember seeing a few years back that they'd like to have a '38 cab in their new rolling stock shed when its built which presumably remains the case.

Chris

[23stock]

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.

[roythebus]

Having been an IoW member since the early days (member 280) I was rather disappointed that this was the case. As you say, lack of space was the official reason at the time, but room has since been found for all manner of historic tat which has subsequently been rebuilt and is running again!

[Ben]

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