After 33 years of operation, Birmingham RailCar Workgroup has announced that the three-car Class 104 will be moving on to pastures new.

The operating set, made up of M50454 and M50528, was withdrawn from service for repairs, however, Llangollen Railcars (custodians of the set) have said that they do not have the resources to undertake the repairs, so have terminated the custodianship.

BRCW have now announced that the operating set will now take up residence at the Great Central Railway, with the set under the custodianship of Renaissance Railcars.

M50447, which is a spares donor vehicle, is now on its way to the North Norfolk Railway where it will provide parts for the restoration of M50479.

Finally, BRCW wish to thank Llangollen Railcars for their assistance in the relocation arrangements, as well as the maintenance and operation of M50454/M50528 for the past 33 years, bringing pleasure to many thousands of passengers over the years. It’s been (literally) quite a ride, and the sound of the set ascending Berwyn Bank will be much missed. Both parties wish each other well for the future with our respective contributions to railcar preservation.

BRCW Spokesperson