The 'set' comprised the Driving Motor car at the north end coupled to the Single Unit ('Bubble Car') at the south end: the customary arrangement at present. There's a second Driving Motor Car which is currently receiving attention in Shackerstone M.P.D. before being reunited with its 'other half' to form a 2-car unit. The set normally has four 150 h.p. in use, one to each bogie but one engine on the Single Unit has been using excessive engine oil for a while and the Owner recently decided to isolate that engine and run with three engines until a replacement engine could be fitted.
The thoughtful design of the 'Modernisation Series' DMUs makes it easy for a driver to safely isolate an engine which has failed in traffic, allowing the unit to 'limp home' with reduced power and this had already been done. Firstly, the Final Drive had been isolated using the hook-ended, long-handled tool stowed in the guards compartment.
Guard's compartment in 55005: The long, thin rod with a handle at the top stowed vertically in between the red-painted Brake Setter and the Guard's seat is the 'Toasting Fork' to isolate the final drive.
The 'toasting fork' allows the driver to reach over the top of the bogie, grasp the isolating switch with the hooked end and twist the switch to the 'isolated' position.
The vertical bar is the Final Drive Isolating Switch in the 'engaged' position. When horizontal, the drive is 'isolated'.
Secondly, a carriage key had been used to electrically isolate the engine, using the isolating switch on the underframe near the engine.
'Flat 6' DMU engine. The orange-painted square box mounted on the underframe above the engine is the switch (operated by a carriage key) to electrically isolate the engine.
It didn't take long to check oil and fuel levels, make sure auxiliary drive belts were intact and look for anything not quite right, then each engine was electrically started from the ground. Two out of three started: one refused to turn over and just made an 'Ug' sound. I started thinking about finding the battery charger and setting it up to get more life into the battery but decided to make one more attempt and this time the engine turned over sluggishly but enough to fire and we were away.
Stephen W. was booked Guard and he arrived nice and early. The day started dull and rather cold so we anticipated poor passenger numbers but when we moved the train from the DMU siding where preparation is carried out into the platform, there were quite a few passengers already waiting. We set off a few minutes late and, for a time, the weather deteriorated with intermittent heavy rain, requiring the use of the air-operated windscreen wiper. Market Bosworth had been closed to passengers during the limited operations as Covid restrictions were eased but we were scheduled to resume the intermediate stop. Whilst waiting for the Guard and Market Bosworth Station Staff to conclude station duties, I took a picture of the passenger compartment behind the driving cab.
Battlefield Line 2021: DMU on 2-Oct-2021 at Market Bosworth on the first northbound service.
We carried on to Shenton with improving weather. In fact, later in the day there was quite a pleasant sun. The dull start to the day made me anticipate poor passenger numbers but quite a few passengers turned up for each service which made the whole day very worthwhile. But I'm sure the passengers were relieved that the carriage heating was working! There are two underframe-mounted heater units on each coach. Diesel fuel (electrically ignited) is burned in a cylindrical combustion chamber and electric fans blow warmed air through ducts into the coach. The heaters are controlled from a simple panel in the Driver's cab and a switch allows fan-only operation in summer. Safety circuits are provided to ensure correct operation. The principle is similar to some warm-air portable heaters used in industry.
One of the two underframe-mounted heater units on each coach.
Stopping at Market Bosworth on the return trip, we picked up a large family group celebrating the birthday of one of the group. They were all staying at the Bosworth Hall Hotel in Market Bosworth and they'd decided to have a round trip on the train. The jolly crowd left us at Market Bosworth on our second north bound journey.
Battlefield Line 2021: DMU on 2-Oct-2021 showing a birthday party alighting at Market Bosworth from the second northbound service.
Our Guard had recently been passed-out to drive the DMU but had not yet had a rostered driving turn so we agreed to 'swop roles' for the third round trip so that Stephen could drive whilst Jan carried out the guard's duties.
Battlefield Line 2021: DMU on 2-Oct-2021 showing Jan completing the Guard's Journal on the third round trip.
I was back in the cab for the final round trip to Shenton then the unit was stabled in the DMU siding, final inspection made and paperwork completed after an enjoyable shift.
Related posts in this blog
All my Battlefield Line posts.
All my DMU posts.
My pictures
Battlefield Line 2021.
All my Battlefield Line pictures.
