AC Cars W79976 restoration‏

My name is Matthew Dawson and I am a volunteer at the Mountsorrel Railway, which is rebuilding most of the former minerals branchline of what has become the Great Central Railway. Part of the Mountsorrel's plans include running passenger services on the branch when the line is complete and it was anticipated that an offshoot of the group could restore AC Cars rail bus no. W79976, which is owned by the David Clarke Railway Trust. A history of W79976 can be found in the October edition of Pacer Preservation Society's newsletter, as well as on the "Rail car Association" site.

The reason for this thread is I am enquiring as to the possibility of forming an interested party or to contact people with metalworking skills, or alternatively open lines of inquiry subject to agreement/exchange of funds, parts, display use of or otherwise (the DCRT would have to agree to this), to restore the frame and body work of the vehicle to enable it to at least have some protection from the elements. Several attempts have been made to restore the vehicle but lack of interest, skills or availability of man power has led to these restoration groups disbanding, as the rail car is not the main focus of the DCRT. At the current state, the rail car could be deemed un-restorable within a few years due to the fact little attention has been paid to it, save for it's chassis. It's current position is also not ideal as it is mostly exposed to the elements.

It should be noted I am not a member of nor know the full story of the rail car but as this is the only one of two of the type left remaining in existence, the other (W79978) owned by Dick Hymas.

Any suggestions or information will be greatly received.


Regards

Matthew Dawson

 

Hi a friend of mine back in the 60/70"s father was an engine fitter at AC cars in Thames Ditton Surrey when these were being made there, they only made one at a time because of the limited space and they only made the body shell.
The shell was then transported to London Undergrounds Acton Works where the AEC engine and rail chassis were transported from AEC southall factory to
Acton Works, then they were put together and fitted out with standard bus seats the AC part was only the body shell. hope this was of help.
Best of luck with the Restoration.