56047 Class 114 Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory

Home Railway	Swindon & Cricklade Railway	Location History	Strathspey Railway Sep 93-Jan 25
Current Location	Swindon & Cricklade Railway		Swindon & Cricklade Railway Jan 25-Present
Current Status	Under Restoration
Current Livery	BR Green (Half Yellow Panel)
TRA Designation	3
Partner Vehicle(s)	51104
Owner	Gloucester Railcar Trust
Website	facebook.com/groups/8642346869180453
Record Last Updated	22 March 2025
Preservation Modifications None
Preservation Information Withdrawn in October 1991, 56047 was originally intended for the Llangollen Railway, but the sale was cancelled and the vehicle was resold to the Strathspey Railway in 1993. 56047 was quickly repainted into BR Green livery and operated services on the Strathspey Railway in multiple with Class 107 DMBS 52008from 1994 onwards. In 1996, 56047 was partially refurbished with new carpets and seat covers in the first class saloon. In 2000 Class 107 DMCL 52030 was returtned to traffic, releasing 56047 from the operating set for overhaul. However this was never undertaken and the vehicle was put into long term storage, which was to last a quarter of a century! In 2019 the deterioration of 56047 was briefly reduced, following the building of a rolling stock storage shed at Boat of Garten, able to accommodate both operating and stored DMU vehicles amongst other coaching stock. 56047 spent some time stored undercover but it was suspected that its place in the shed was sporadic, with several sightings of the vehicle outside. In 2023, the final dissolution of owning group My Little Sprinter Limited triggered the disposal of the two DMU sets in their care, sealing 56047's fate at the Strathspey. 56047's previous operating partner 52008 was quickjly sold from the railway orphaning 56047 without a future operating partner. Fortunately, despite never being advertised on the open market, 56047 was privately sold to the Gloucester Railcar Trust who had recently gained Class 119 51073 into their collection and was looking to create a second 2-car set to compliment their long term Class 119 2-car set project. 56047 was seen as a suitable long-underframe blue-square Derby-fronted companion for a Class 119 DMBC. 56047 moved to its new home at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway in early 2025 and work to ressurrect the vehicle started immediately. A month after arrival the vehicle was undertaking test running with Class 119 51104, the first time it had operated for 25 years. By March a 4-car sent had even operated on test with 56047 leading. Following the fun of the test running, restoration of the interior of 56047, which had suffered badly during the time in storage, commenced and continues steadily.
Future Plans The immediate future will see the group work on 56047's restoration to passenger carrying standards, with an initial focus on the interior which suffered badly from the effects of water ingress. During this time 56047 will be paired with Class 119 DMSL 51104 which will also be receiving works. Longer term, it is expected to form a pair of 2-car sets, each with a guards brakevan. Whilst including a primary and authentic Class 119 2-car set (formed 51073 & 51104), 56047's role will be a secondary hybrid set formed 51074 & 56047.

	56047 leads a 4-car formation formed mainly of Class 119 vehicles (51104, 51073 & 51074), seen at Taw Valley Halt during test runs, 2/3/25. Gloucester Railcar Trust

	56047 lined up alongside Class 119 51073 at Taw Valley Halt during test runs, 2/3/25. Gloucester Railcar Trust

	56047 arriving at Blunsdon following a long journeyt south from the Strathspey Railway, 27/1/25. Gloucester Railcar Trust

	56047 stored at Boat of Garten, with its backside at least undercover! 23/6/19. Michael Hughes

	56047 stored at Boat of Garten, 17/10/18, Anthony Christie

	A rather faded 56047 still in store, 6/6/18. Deborah Stokes

	56047 stored at Boat of Garten, 16/8/11. Ian McLoughlin

	56047 stored at Boat of Garten awaiting its turn for restoration, 15/10/09. Bob Faulkner

	56047 stored at Boat of Garten, 14/5/08. David Beardmore

	56047 stabled on the Strathspey Railway, not long before withdrawal, 18/2/99. On tour with the class 13 army

	56047 at Aviemore on the Strathspey Railway during the line's diesel gala. It is forming the 14:10 to Boat of Garten, 23/5/98. Stuart Mackay

	Newly restored 56047 (and presumably 52008) battles through the spring snow, in service at the Strathspey Railway, 9/4/1994. Michael John Poynton

Interior

	The first class saloon at the start of the restoration efforts, 27/1/25. Gloucester Railcar Trust

	The middle saloon at the start of the restoration efforts, 27/1/25. Gloucester Railcar Trust

	The middle saloon, 23/6/19. Michael Hughes