Eastern Region Mk3 HST TRUB to TRFB conversions 1985

[mikepargeter]

Hi, I'm trying to track down the dates when some Eastern Region Mk3 HST TRUB coaches were converted to TRFB. The only reference I can find is "from 1985".

 

This book looks promising, but is out of print: BR Coaching Fleet Mk2, Mk3 & Mk4: A Full Listing of Numbers Conversions Renumbering and Disposals (British Railways' Illustrated Special) Paperback – 1 Feb. 1998 by Ashley Butlin (Author).

 

Ideally I'd like to know the latest conversion date for 40310-40321 or 40339-40343, or maybe a photo of one of these that had not been converted towards the end of 1985.

 

Any suggestions where I might look next would be gratefully received! Many thanks.

[Wickham Green too]

All those are listed as 407xx TRFB in the 1986 Platform 5 'Combo' ( only 40322-7/31/2/55/7 remaining as 403xx TRUB ) - it says "Identical to 403xx series from which they have been renumbered ..." - so, presumably, not much 'conversion' was involved. 

[SP Steve]

According to Roger Harris' "The Allocation History of BR Multiple Units - Part 4" (which covers second & third generation DMUs and HST Stock) the following details are listed for the vehicles in question:

 

40310 - August 1985

40311 - November 1985

40312 - October 1985

40313 - Converted November 1985 but actually renumbered in February 1986

40314 - Converted circa December 1985 but believed renumbered February 1986

40315 - August 1985

40316 - September 1985

40317 - October 1985

40318 - as per 40314

40319 - September 1985

40320 - October 1985

40321 - September 1985

40339 - circa October 1985

40340 - October 1985

40341 - circa November 1985

40342 - circa December 1985 but in works for fire damage repair until August 1986

40343 - September 1985

 

Copies of the volume are still available at Bill Hudson.

 

https://www.billhudsontransportbooks.co.uk/bhtb/bh14154/the-allocation-history-of-br-diesel-multiple-units-part-4/

[ISW]

43 minutes ago, mikepargeter said:

Ideally I'd like to know the latest conversion date for 40310-40321 or 40339-40343, or maybe a photo of one of these that had not been converted towards the end of 1985.

If it helps, here's a photo I took in 1978 of the, then, as new E40312 at Litchurch Lane.

 

Ian

 

[keefer]

1 hour ago, Wickham Green too said:

All those are listed as 407xx TRFB in the 1986 Platform 5 'Combo' ( only 40322-7/31/2/55/7 remaining as 403xx TRUB ) - it says "Identical to 403xx series from which they have been renumbered ..." - so, presumably, not much 'conversion' was involved. 

As far as I've read, it only involved renumbering and adding the yellow cant-rail band & '1' on the passenger doors. They already had 2+1 orange seats.

I think the change to First Class happened to make sure the seats were used for dining, as opposed to being hogged by Second Class passengers getting a better seat by nursing a cup of tea for hours!🙂

[mikepargeter]

4 hours ago, SP Steve said:

According to Roger Harris' "The Allocation History of BR Multiple Units - Part 4" (which covers second & third generation DMUs and HST Stock) the following details are listed for the vehicles in question:

 

40310 - August 1985

40311 - November 1985

40312 - October 1985

40313 - Converted November 1985 but actually renumbered in February 1986

40314 - Converted circa December 1985 but believed renumbered February 1986

40315 - August 1985

40316 - September 1985

40317 - October 1985

40318 - as per 40314

40319 - September 1985

40320 - October 1985

40321 - September 1985

40339 - circa October 1985

40340 - October 1985

40341 - circa November 1985

40342 - circa December 1985 but in works for fire damage repair until August 1986

40343 - September 1985

 

Copies of the volume are still available at Bill Hudson.

 

https://www.billhudsontransportbooks.co.uk/bhtb/bh14154/the-allocation-history-of-br-diesel-multiple-units-part-4/

 

That's perfect, many thanks for taking the time to type that up!

 

Mike

 

[Flood]

Please note that I saw 40314 and 40345 at Derby on 31st August 1985 with yellow stripes and presumably 1st Class branding (I took a note of certain variations when spotting). So although they were still numbered as TRUB coaches they were basically TRFB without the change of number. I may have other examples from that time period noted if you are interested.