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BR Class 97 Battery Electric (ex-Class 501)
- by Jonny Duffett
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Following on from a previous project to bolster my fleet of Southern
Region EMUs (building a 4-EPB unit from surplus Bachmann models),
there were enough bits left over to create something completely
different which would suit the Great Northern theme at Hornsey Broadway.
This view shows one of a pair of class 97 battery electric locomotives
which were converted from ex-class 501 Driving Motor Brake vehicles.
This project has been on the back-burner for a few months, making
progress as and when it could be fitted in between other activities. This
view shows a selection of underframe boxes scratchbuilt from styrene
and brass detail parts.
The major die-cast chassis modifications involve shortening it to a
57ft variant by chopping the required section out (equal to 1 compartment),
splicing and strengthening, and finally fitting and securing the trussing
before detail parts are added.
They were converted at BR Wolverton Works C1974, which involved the
removal of all internal seating and fittings, and then installing banks
of lead-acid traction batteries. The first 2 vehicles converted were
for use on the Merseyrail system, for use on maintenance duties. Further
units were converted at Doncaster Works for tunnel maintenance / OHLE
installation work for the GN services to Moorgate.
A silhouette cutter has been used to form the louvres, replacing most
of the windows on the bodyside for ventilation purposes.
Further detail parts have also been made for the ends, as through access
between the units was a requirement for working in confined areas.
The BE locos at an advanced stage of construction are seen here on
my Hereford layout for running in trials. The 2 vehicles have now been
transferred over to the Traction & Rolling Stock Engineer at the Hornsey
Works for detail finishing and conversion to EM Gauge. It's been an
interesting project despite one or two difficulties along the way, so
I can now get back to some of my other BR(S) models and look forward
to seeing it at Hornsey Road Depot sometime in the near future.
