Here we see the transformation of the underframe and mechanical components from a tangle of rust encrusted metal to near original condition.

Firstly all major mechanical components are removed for individual attention. One of the great advantages of the DMU concept is that the individual standardised components can be easily exchanged during maintenance, hence reducing the time the vehicle is out of service. The fact that we have 4 of everything also helps reliability in service, although this means that a lot of components needed refurbishing during the restoration!

The steel air piping was replaced by copper during the rebuild. The original steel tubes were used as templates. Although copper tubing is not the original material, the unit will not be in such intensive operation on the Boness branch as it was in British Railways service - problems have been experienced with this type of intermittent operation. It is hoped that the change to copper will cure previous problems in preservation service due to accumulation of rust in the air lines preventing correct operation of the EP valves.

The bogies were stripped and refurbished wheel tyres were sent for specialist turning to correct profile. MRE rebuilt the bogies, rebushing the brake rigging to original tolerances as required.

Gearboxes were sent to specialist contractor for inspection and rebuilding as necessary. The gearboxes are of Epicyclic type these use a system of constantly meshed sun and planet gears and gear selection is made by a system of gear brake bands, which wear and need occasional replacement.

The 4 Diesel Engines were rebuilt by the SRPSs own Diesel Group. All were completely stripped and rebuilt, with parts being sourced from other preservation groups. Badly worn crankshafts on two of the engines were reground to restore the bearing surfaces.

Here we see an engine being renovated and refitted at Boness by SRPS Diesel Group members. The engine is on a wooden pallet and is lifted into place by a fork lift truck. The engines are held in place by metalastic rubber & steel mounting bushes, which provide a degree of vibration isolation.