Recently the London Group finished rebuilding a 1917 built GWR Box Van 95979 rescued from the Port of London Authority to its former glory. This is so we can empty 2180 and start on its rebuild to a buffet car. In association with the Diesel Groups we have repainted 276 as W276 in Carmine and Cream because the GWR Chocolate and Cream had become patchy due to paint adhesion difficulties.
At the end of 2004 the London Group were successful in their bid to preserve a London Transport Routemaster 'bus for use, as required, by the Railway on the Vintage 'Bus service. The vehicle (RM1872) is available for private hire and makes an ideal accompaniment to the Railway's Dining Train service since it can accommodate 64 passengers. For more details on the vehicle, how it was returned to revenue earning service and our progress on the more detailed restoration click here.
The London group appear to be the railway electricians with a speciality in carriage wiring and charging circuits. Recently we converted the Yorkshire shunter from dynamo to alternator for battery charging and low voltage supplies. Given that the Railway doesn't have a wiring diagram for the "Half Janus" we did quite well and when it didn't move we learnt even more! The Yorkie was last reported chasing sheep...... We are also in the process of fully rewiring the Trust's coach 1645. The wiring on this coach was in poor condition and had been "repaired" rather badly so a full rewire was necessary. Only the charging and regulator circuits are left to be done but these should be reinstated soon.
The London Group hold meetings on the last Tuesday of the month at the "Mitre" Public House, Craven Terrace, London, W2 (near Lancaster Gate) , starting at 19:30hrs throughout the winter months of September, October, November, January, February, March and April. If Easter clashes with the March or April meeting then the meeting is cancelled. For details of the meetings programme click here.
Earlier London Group Activities:
© South Devon Railway Trust 2008