Coach number 62482 is part of UTU2 ultrasonic rail testing train which was stabled at Bournemouth T&RSMD on April 25th 2003. The following detailed history of this coach has been provided by Mark Brinton.

62482 was originally formed in unit 3015 and with its partner 62483 were delivered to Selhurst from York Works on 19-11-74 and were the final Mk.1 vehicles built. The unit was formed up with its TB 69022 and TFK 71157 and entered service in early 12-1974.

A few weeks later on 17/12/74 it was reformed with its correct trailers 69025 and 71159. The unit exchanged trailer vehicles occasionally during its life for short spells due to damage etc. From 5/86 the unit was re-numbered 2015. Like all 4REPs the unit was based at Bournemouth throughout its life.

2015 was disbanded on 29-11-86 and both DMS vehicles were sent to Eastleigh Works for component recovery 3-87. They were then forwarded to Cardiff Cathays for conversion to an Ultrasonic test train. There were two trains to be formed up, each one to have a former DMS vehicle coupler between two Class 101 DMU power vehicles. 62483 became DB999602 and worked with power cars DB977391 and 2 as UTU1.

The project would appear to have run out of money before much physical work was undertaken on 62482 which was to have become DB999603. The vehicle was then stored at Derby RTC.

The above information was supplied to me some while ago by John Atkinson.

I first saw the vehicle again about 18 months ago when following Hatfield Railtrack decided to increase the frequency of rail testing and required a further ultrasonic test vehicle. The original plans for UTU1 were got out of the archives and dusted off. 62482 was dug out of the siding and cleared out and I was asked to inspect the condition of the vehicle with a view to conversion. It was basically in "as withdrawn" condition, but the interior and cab had been completely removed. The cab windows had been plated over and one end modified to fit a BS Suspension Gangway. At the cab end the roof has been lowered to facilitate the fitting of a pantograph.

The reason that the vehicle does not carry its originally allocated number of 999603 is that following the original projects cancellation the number was allocated to another vehicle conversion, hence the decision to retain 62482 which had not been re-used and had no potential new use.

As you have seen during its latest conversion it has had restored the BR gangway at the cab end and gained buffers at the non-can end. The conversion work was undertaken for Railtrack at Derby.

Unlike UTU1 which operates with DMUs, UTU2 is designed to operate with ex. Gatwick Mk2 carriages and top and tailed by "blue star" fitted diesel locomotives.

Mark Brinton