59445 Class 116 Trailer Composite (Scrapped)

Last Location

Swansea Vale Railway

Location History

Private Site: Cardiff May 93-Feb 94

Current Status

Scrapped at Ammanford Metal Recycling April 2009

Swansea Vale Railway Feb 94-Mar 09

Last Livery

Non Standard Maroon

Partner Vehicle(s)

None

Record Last Updated

1 August 2022

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
Preserved privately in 1992, 59445 was first moved to a private site before custodianship was granted to the Llanelli & District Railway Society. In 1994 (some accounts say 1996) the vehicle was moved to the society's base at Six Pit on the Swansea Vale Railway.

The vehicle was acquired because the Swansea Vale Railway was also home to 51135 & 51148, the original powercars for 59445. An authentic 3-car set could therefore be created.

However it is not thought that 59445 operated in the intended 3-car set, instead being used as a loco hauled coach. The vehicle was painted maroon to suit this role.

During the 2000's the vehicle fell out of use. During this time the railway struggled to keep on top of a long series of vandal attacks, the situation made worse by the lack of undercover accommodation and security. 59445 did not escape the attacks, with smashed windows being a typical example. Volunteers chose to try and keep the operational DMU set in reasonable condition, so 59445 deteriorated in condition.

In June 2008 the railway was hit by a serious arson attack and all seven of the DMU vehicles on the railway were damaged to varying degrees, ranging from light external damage to fully gutted vehicles. Following this incident, the railway later ceased operations and agreed to close the site and relocate the salvageable assets to the nearby Gwili Railway.

59445 was considered as being damaged beyond repair, so in Spring 2009 the vehicle was dispatched to Ammanford Metal Recycling where it was scrapped. 59445 was not unique, but its demise left only three Class 116 TC vehicles left in preservation.

After the arson attack, some vehicles were so badly damaged it became difficult to identify them from photographs. This is believed to be 59445 lying derelict on the closed Swansea Vale Railway just a few months before scrapping and total site clearance, 14/2/09. Richard Wilson

After the arson attack, some vehicles were so badly damaged it became difficult to identify them from photographs. This is believed to be 59445 lying derelict on the closed Swansea Vale Railway just a few months before scrapping and total site clearance, 14/2/09. Richard Wilson

During a Swansea Vale running day, 59445 is seen being hauled by an industrial steam locomotive. Ben Salter

During a Swansea Vale running day, 59445 is seen being hauled by an industrial steam locomotive. Ben Salter

During a Swansea Vale running day, 59445 is seen being hauled by an industrial steam locomotive. Ben Salter