Converted heating coach

This may challenge a few of the older readers. Many, many moons ago a scourge appeared appeared on main line specials called ETHEL 1 and ETHEL 2 (Electric Train Heating Ex Locomotive). These were class 25(?) that were painted in raspberry ripple colours minus traction motors and were there to provide train heating on steam specials. This was around the mid 80's. The good old Steam Beano ran an appeal for a MK1 brake conversion with generating equipment installed. This vehicle was converted at much expense and ran for a few years and then disappeared. Does anyone know what happened to it as it wasn't around that long considering the money that was donated to it.

 

Was it managed by SLOA at the time it entered service?

Dave

 

I believe so. There was a huge beano fanfare about it (for a change) it ran a few times and then seem to disappear from view. Is it still in service?

 

35469 has been in continuous operation since it entered service following conversion by RFS Locomotives at the former Thomas Hill works at Kilnhurst. I was on one of its early runs over the settle and Carlisle and got down with many others at the water stop on route. 35469 was coupled directly behind the loco, a Jubilee, and was running. Some well informed gent stood close to me, less than 10 yards from 35469 said "I thought there was supposed to be that new generator car on this train" or words to that effect. He had clearly overlooked the fact that he had been warmed by the ETH all the way from Bradford where the Jubilee went on, and that there was a gentle hum and a warm breeze eminating from the leading coach!

 

According to UK Steam Info, it's part of set OM03 managed by Riveria trains at Old Oak Common.

http://www.railtourinfo.co.uk/images/Co ... 130506.jpg

I recall seeing this recently (or hearing a gentle humm of it) not too long ago, so I reckon it's still around

 

Yep, still around, now in blood and custard again, and fitted with new seat covers and curtains. I believe it's fitted with the same engine as a class 156 DMU! Connected up to a generator obviously.

 

Isn't all of the OOC stock at Eastleigh now?

 

A lot was still at OOC last week!

 

I don't know this for sure, it's just that I had a nose down Campbell Road the other day, I could certainly see some evidence of 'heritage' stock in the EWS depot. When i was at the MHR on Sunday I asked a fellow volunteer what it was (he works for Knights in the loco works over the road) and that's what he told me, ie that it was the Riviera stock which was at OOC .