DEMU 1118 was one of the first batch 0f eighteen units to be built at Eastleigh, the underframes were built at Ashford Works. It entered service on 16th September 1957 and was designed for use on the Portsmouth/Southampton and Alton services, further units were also built for the Hastings and Berkshire services.
English Electric produced the engines, 4 cylinder supercharged, RK engines designed for traction as opposed to marine use.
The two car units consisted of a Driving Motor Brake, standard open carriage which carried the engine, a driving cab and a guards compartment. The second carriage was a Driver Trailer composite, a driving cab and first and second class compartments. The combined length was 133 feet 3.5 inches weighing 88 tons seating 13 first and 114 second class passengers. In August 1959 because of the volume of traffic a centre coach was introduced into these sets.. By 1986 with the introduction of the TOPS system these units became class 205 and she became 205018.
The DMBSO unit 1118 in preservation has been coupled with the DTC unit 1129, both units were in the fatal Cowden rail crash of 15th October, 1994. Their respected front units were so badly damaged that they were cut up and the remaining units joined together. They were withdrawn from service in August 2004.
English Electric produced the engines, 4 cylinder supercharged, RK engines designed for traction as opposed to marine use.
The two car units consisted of a Driving Motor Brake, standard open carriage which carried the engine, a driving cab and a guards compartment. The second carriage was a Driver Trailer composite, a driving cab and first and second class compartments. The combined length was 133 feet 3.5 inches weighing 88 tons seating 13 first and 114 second class passengers. In August 1959 because of the volume of traffic a centre coach was introduced into these sets.. By 1986 with the introduction of the TOPS system these units became class 205 and she became 205018.
The DMBSO unit 1118 in preservation has been coupled with the DTC unit 1129, both units were in the fatal Cowden rail crash of 15th October, 1994. Their respected front units were so badly damaged that they were cut up and the remaining units joined together. They were withdrawn from service in August 2004.
1118 Thumper Unit undergoing a full refurbishment at Williton on the West Somerset Railway in 2014. Copyright Roger Salter
150815v Thumper Unit 1118 Enters Okehampton on the 10.47 service to Bow. Copyright Roger Salter.
150815w The engine compartment showing the English Electric 600 b.h.p. 4 cyl engine. By courtesy of Rachael Wilson, Guard. Copyright Roger Salter
150815zb Passing the station buildings at North Tawton. The track passing through this station was raised many years ago after the cessation of regular passenger trains when a new bridge was installed. Copyright Roger Winnen
150815zc A welcome greeted us at Bow Station. The owners of the station were handing out complimentary drinks and biscuits. Copyright Roger Winnen
150815zd A very low platform exist at Bow Station, passengers are advised not to alight. However by kind permission of the train staff I was helped up and down by Rachael of the Dartmoor Railway. Many Thanks Rachael. Copyright Roger Winnen
More photographs in Features Pages July to December 2015