The cab of the Matisa was recently gutted – i.e. all the wooden panelling on both the sides and the roof were stripped off and the foam insulation behind has been removed too. This was done as we were aware that water had gotten in to some points and caused a bit of damp.
It has now been decided to wire brush all the interior metal work and give it a coat of anti corrosive primer to try to stop it rusting too much. Conduit runs will be installed for the various cables to supply lights, wipers, etc. and new insulation will be fitted and then new panelling will be installed; it has not yet been decided if this will be wood again, or polycarbonate sheets – it all depends on cost.
Due to drive issues, the present aim is to get the Matisa to a condition where it can be used as a brake van with one of our class 323 shunters, to get it back into use – we will continue to look at developing a solution to drive and replacing the missing transfer box.