Slightly bizarre 1st gen DMU question

[OuterDistant]

In this photo of a class 104, there's some light damage to the front end that looks like it's been hit by a shotgun! However, I've seen various photos of other DMUs over the years that show similar damage in exactly the same place.

Anyone know what the cause of this was? Is it a bad spot for corrosion, or a birdstrike or something?

 

[Turbostar]

Where exactly are we looking???

 

[The_Stig]

Where exactly are we looking???

I think he means under the middle window. There are dents in the yellow panel that look like air rifle pellets or similar have dented the section.

 

[strange6]

They're primitive air vents to cool the cab

 

[ralphchadkirk]

They're primitive air vents to cool the cab

I don't think he means the air vent. Look at the centre panel, and about half way down there seems to be a group of small indents in the panel.

 

[strange6]

Oh, I see! Here is another 104 with damage in the same position but not as bad. The only thing I can think of is susceptibility to damage when coupling-up with something, especially if it was done in a slap-dash manner. Having said that, the enormous buffers on these things should have protected it from something like that.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Could have it been a component that was removed? Maybe a tail lamp bracket?

 

[strange6]

I'll ask my trainer in July when I go and drive one of these 1st gens

 

[The_Stig]

Looks like it is the coupler hitting the front when lifted up to join units.

 

[158722]

I'd suggest it is most likely due to the brake pipe not having been secured in place, leaving it to blown around and upwards, especially when trailing on the rear. Noticed this before on several units, damage seems to be around the radius of where the brake pipe could hit the front.

 

[strange6]

I'd suggest it is most likely due to the brake pipe not having been secured in place, leaving it to blown around and upwards, especially when trailing on the rear. Noticed this before on several units, damage seems to be around the radius of where the brake pipe could hit the front.

Can't see an unsecured brakeline doing that much damage to a thick metal panel! And if it was insecure in the first instance, the train should not have been running!

 

[Welshman]

Did there not used to be a 2-digit route-code panel in that area?
Perhaps when they fell into disuse and were covered-over an inferior metal plate was used.