The Kent & East Sussex Railway have arrived at an important point in Diesel Railcar W20’s restoration following the appointment of an Independent Competent Person or ICP in order to oversee the project in regard to traction and rolling stock compliance.

The contract has been awarded to Cambrian Transport Services Limited with Senior Traction & Rolling Stock Consultant Steve Beck BSc CEng MIET AMIMechE taking on the job.

With more than 53 years of experience in maintenance, overhaul, and service introduction, Steve has worked with an array of rolling stock but in particular Electric and Diesel Multiple Units, he has also worked with British Rail for 27 years and with Consultancy WS Atkins for 15 years.

Steve’s first inspection of W20 saw that the work completed to date is of a good standard which was fantastic news for the team of devoted volunteers who have worked so diligently on the project. During the inspection, it was revealed that some additional issues need to be addressed and have now been added to the project.

Prior to the Christmas period work was undertaken to ensure that W20’s exterior was weather resistant and structurally complete and the latest stage of work has seen:

• Restored air vents have been attached to the roof
• The saloon glazing and frames have been finished, alongside the installation of the sliding-top window vents
• The roof has been fully insulated and materials for the internal ceiling panels have been approved
• The saloon light fittings have been carefully refurbished and are ready for installation
• The gearboxes, which were fully restored a number of years ago, have been removed, checked and reinstalled
• A replacement heating system has been approved and contracts have now to be agreed to supply and fit the system
• Heavy-duty cabling in poor condition, perished wiring and flexible conduit have been removed, ready for replacements
• An external contractor has started work to ensure the precise fitting of the cab ends and domes

The railcar has now been moved temporarily from the Carriage & Wagon workshop in order to allow winter maintenance to be completed for the Wealden Pullman set. Minor work on W20 will now take place at Rolvenden until it is possible to return to Tenterden in early March and at this point, the new heating system will be installed by contractors.

The ’20 for 20′ fundraiser which got underway in September last year,  is also making good progress having achieved 90% of its original target already. It is hoped that the fundraiser will hit a minimum of £20,000 in order to finalise the restoration which will also cover the issues discovered during the inspection, it is also hoped that a sinking fund may be achieved for future work needed on W20.

To make a donation please visit the Kent & East Sussex Railway: www.kesr.org.uk