Here you can see the external condition of motor brake Car 91 on its arrival from Holt at Pullman specialists, Ramparts of Derby. It had spent a number of years in the salt-filled air on the Keith & Dufftown and new metal panels will be let in where necessary. More work will be required than for Car 88, although the structural integrity of the vehicle is excellent. Underneath, despite the surface rust, all is sound too. Cars 88 and 91 were temporarily coupled together; as they were from different train sets, this is almost certainly for the first time in their working lives - a portent that the Belle really is coming back!

Click on the first image to take a virtual tour of the outside of Car 91

October 2009

Here you can see the internal condition of motor brake Car 91 on its arrival from Holt at Pullman specialists, Ramparts of Derby. The general condition of the walls and interior is better than expected. The level of original fittings is excellent and almost complete. The seats will eventually be be re-upholstered with new moquette, woven to the launch pattern by the original supplier, using traditional techniques. The comparison with Car 88 is revealing. 

Click on the first image to take a virtual tour of the inside of Car 91

September 2009

Here you can see progress with the external restoration of motor brake Car 88 by Pullman specialists, Ramparts of Derby. New metal panels have been let in where necessary, including the inevitable rust trap under the windows. The vehicle is finished in green primer. The structural integrity of the vehicle is excellent. Underneath, all is sound too; the bogies await the fitment of traction motors.

Click on the first image to take a virtual tour of the outside of Car 88

August 2009