Scenic Diesel Railcar - Urgent Appeal
We are asking for your help with a rare and exciting opportunity. A 2-car Class 117 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) has unexpectedly become available for purchase, and the we believe it could become one of the most valuable operational assets on the Avon Valley Railway.
Opportunities like this are rare for us. After a detailed inspection by our Engineering Team, we are confident that this unit is in very good condition and has the potential to support the Railway's operations, sustainability, resilience, and long-term future for many years to come.
We have began acquisition of the unit; however, we urgently need your support to ensure it arrives at the Avon Valley Railway safely and has a secure future.
If a purchase is unable to be made, for whatever reason, funds donated to this appeal will be transferred to our ongoing Fit for the Future Appeal, aiming to secure the Avon Valley Railway’s future.
Why is this DMU so important?
This vehicle is far more than simply another item of rolling stock. It represents an opportunity to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Avon Valley Railway and secure a versatile operational asset that can serve the Railway for many years to come.
Its key advantages include:
Providing a highly versatile vehicle that can be used in a wide range of operating situations.
Supporting a more sustainable and financially resilient future for the Railway.
Creating new opportunities for volunteers to develop operating, engineering and maintenance skills.
Being considerably cheaper to operate than a steam locomotive and coaching set.
Offering exceptional flexibility for quieter days, special events and short-notice services.
Being ideally suited to school holiday services and off-peak operations.
Reducing the risk of service disruption during periods of hot weather and heightened lineside fire risk.
Providing a readily available alternative should an advertised steam service fail.
Generating income whilst helping to reduce overall operating costs.
By helping us secure this unit, you will be investing in a practical, historically significant vehicle that can contribute directly to the Railway's future success, helping us deliver services more efficiently, generate additional income and provide greater resilience in challenging operating conditions.
A Scenic Journey!
Our passengers will benefit from a new scenic experience aboard the railcar, with the greatest number of windows and doors compared to any other train on the Avon Valley Railway - allowing for fantastic views of the Avon Valley! This is alongside heating onboard for those colder days - but the best part though? Windows out the front giving passengers that driver’s eye view!
Heritage at Heart!
Steeped in local history, this 1960-built Class 117, was also based at Bristol (Bath Road) Depot during the 1980s, working various local lines and stations. It even had the honour of being the Melksham station reopening train in 1985! For those heritage-lovers, we also have a record of sister Class 117 units working the line through Bitton before closure too - we really will be recreating the past with your support.
Help us give the railcar the Bristol homecoming it deserves!
We therefore respectfully ask you to support this urgent appeal as generously as you are able. Every donation, whatever its size, will bring us one step closer to securing this valuable asset for the benefit of Avon Valley Railway, its volunteers, members and future generations of visitors. Thank you.
A Bristol Homecoming!
Large scenic windows - and you can look out the front!