CLAIMED to be the'largest heritage railway project' underway in Britain at present, the complex restoration of the 'Brighton Belle'EMU continues apace. With a return to the main line planned for 2013, three of the five cars are currently being worked on. Car Nos. 88 and 91 are in a dedicated workshop at Barrow Hill and No. 85 is at Rampart, Derby. Car No. 91 is jacked up while it receives replacement parts from a 4-CIG coach, for which sei No. 1881 was acquired for this restoration. The transfer include: frame parts, bogies and buckeye couplers to bring it up to main line standards. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of the'Brighton Belle'and it is to be celebrated in a big way in 2012. One car will be displayed at NRM's Railfest event on June 2-10, but the possibility is being explored with the Mayor of London regarding the display of at least two cars in one of London's Royal Parks during June for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The'Belle'was used on a number of occasions as the Royal train.
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