| Built: | Gloucester RCW Co Ltd | |
| Lot No 30419/1958 | ||
| Traction Type: | Diesel-Mechanical | |
| Transmission: | 2x Wilson 4-Speed | |
| Epicyclic Gearbox | ||
| Power Unit: | 2x BUT Leyland | |
| Power Output: | 2x 150 HP | |
| Max Speed: | 70 MPH |
| Train Brakes: | Vacuum Only | |
| Train Heating: | 2x Smiths Heater | |
| Weight: | 36 Tons | |
| Length: | 64' ½" | |
| Height: | 12' 8½" | |
| Width: | 9' 3" |
Unusually, W55001 was transferred from regular passenger work, becoming part of the departmental fleet in 1969 numbered TDB 975023. The unit was used extensively for route learning and was clearly suited to the role. Based for many years at Bristol and Reading, 975023 moved North around 1989, spending it's final years at Manchester's Longsight Depot. As well as L101, the unit was numbered as 'Set 01' and is alleged to have run with the erroneous number DB975073 from 1969 to 1971.
Orignally preserved at the Northampton & Lamport Railway in 1998, mechanically the unit had been robbed of many parts and it is believed that plans were considered to convert the unit to an observation saloon style vehicle. Classmate 55003 donated much of it's original interior panelling and fittings to 55001 when it was given a complete internal refit and it was decided to press on with a full restoration.
W55001 was acquired by Bury DMU group members in 2008 and the unit has seen extensive use at the ELR, often paired with Class 121 Driving Trailer W56289 (To make Bubble & Squeak!). The unit received an intermediate overhaul in 2014 with all exterior corrosion repaired followed by a repaint and reupholstered seating .The vehicle returned to service in April 2014 transformed internally and externally. In April 2017 the vehicle was lifted and bogies sent away to Longsight for tyre turning, drive shafts were serviced and re-balanced along with fitting overhauled vacuum cylinders.
'Bubble' remains in regular service, especially during midweek Summer periods plus Thomas and Santa shuttle services in multiple with other members of the ELR DMU fleet. 2020 has seen W55001 used for line inspection and light Permanent Way trips towards the end of the Covid-19 Lockdown.
There are a wide range of events at the East Lancashire Railway ranging from Family and Education, Re-enactments, Sci-Fi, Transport and Collector's Fairs.
Selected events are shown below. See the ELR Website for the full event schedule including Family Events.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May |
| Vintage Vibes Weekend | Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May |
|
Summer Diesel Gala
with visitors 31108, 37716 and 50008. Full liineup soon. Click to Pre-Book Tickets. |
Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th July |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August |
| Railway 200 Celebration Weekend | Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September |
| Day Out with Thomas | Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October |
| Autumn Steam Gala | Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October |
| DMU Gala | Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November |
All events subject to availability
While every effort will be made to ensure events take place as advertised, rostered locos or units are available
and running to the advertised timetable, the ELR reserves the right to cancel or terminate without prior notice.
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