Following a painstaking restoration/conversion by the EM2 Locomotive Society at the Middleton Railway in Leeds former Woodhead line inspection vehicle DB998901 is now ready for traffic.

Purchased from Serco Railtest at Old Dalby in November 1997 the vehicle has been internally gutted and the inspection tower removed. Now fitted with seats for 17 passengers together with a wheelchair space the vehicle is ideal for off-peak services but will also be used for the all line tours at the Middleton Railway Gala on 28/29 September 2002.

Whilst the exterior has been restored to BR brunswick green the interior has been converted to meet the terms of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations as the former infrastructure vehicle has not previously carried passengers. Some exemptions have been granted and the vehicle became legal on 22^nd May 2002 as Railway Inspectorate approval for use had been received earlier. At the time the final coats of varnish were being applied to the brunswick green livery in the workshops at Moor Road. On the following Saturday the vehicle was outshopped and may see use before the Gala on Diesel Saturdays.

Please  click here for further information about DB998901.

May 2002