5 BEL ---- The Brighton Belle

Then they won't fit and if they were to fit, then there would have to be alot of modern changes/updates made to the BEL units? Surely?

So as you have said, surely the Push-Pull option would sound like a better option as in treating these units like the TC units?

This is what someone with fitting experience has said.

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Hmm.......... there is no mention of headstock modifications to eliminate screw couplings, replacement bogies (the originals will certainly not be allowed on the main line), TPWS, OTMR, GSMR, CDL or any other costly equipment fitting in order to comply with current regulations. There is no mention as to whose Safety Case this venture will depend on, I can't see any TOC taking it up.

I'll wager the monthly cost of secure, undercover storage for the vehicles will exceed the amount of donations coming in.

There is no mention that the leading (and probably trailing) vehicle(s) will not be allowed carry passengers unless a barrrier vehicle is in the formation, so the current 4-BEL will be a 2-BEL, still with no kitchen firsts.

The last line of this newsletter indicates that the unit will be able to run with Cl.33/1 or Cl.73 but the current Metrovick equipment does not support Westcode functionality and there is no EP braking, so all this equipment will need to be replaced by EE equipment from later SR stock.

Sorry to be negative, but this is an ill-conceived scheme, and this newsletter simply confirms what many people suspected - this project is a non-starter to anyone but the most gullible or plain stupid.

One suggestion would be to restore the vehicles to the best condition with the available resources for use on a heritage railway that could use them on 'wine-and-dine' trains using suitable diesel/steam for haulage and leave it like that. However, finding covered accommodation or even secure siding space for 4-5 vehicles would be difficult for most railways.

Siding space won't be an issue, which I know on the MHR as a new Carriage shed has been secured and granted by the National Lottery. Most coach lengths on preserved lines go to about 5/6 on average. If you take the length of a normal MK1 into consideration??

So it looks like the bottom line is that these units aren't suitable because of their structure to run on the mainline?

Doesn't hold up much hope for the 4-COR unit either then???

They have indicated that they want the train under cover. Here is another issue being discussed

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The charitable trust registration number which was given on the website is that of the "Transport Trust" as was the Ltd company number, if you take a look it will be observed that the address is "care of the Transport Trust".

To put it bluntly the 5Bel trust does not appear to exist at all

Run a quick check and you will find that there is no Ltd company in existence by the name of the 5Bel trust and no charitable trust registered by this name.

Thus the question which logically follows is ........... how can a non existent entity own anything?

Definately sounds like a no-go project if that is the case then!

It might be that, this so called, 5BEL Trust is a website that has been setup to get the funds to buy the unit and do it up? Or if not, is it still in existence?

It still in existence, has brought out its first newsletter.. If, it is not a company, then anybody whom gives money, is asking for trouble

I will leave it from here for anyone else to discuss..... Question is... 'Who actually owns the unit???

A good question!

Looks as if the project is coming along well; Hazel has recently been saved... News here;