The ACMU Society announce "Project Yellow Submarine"

315856 at the LMMR in October 2025. DMSO 64571 - Lakshman Pathak

The ACMU (AC Multiple Unit) Society is today launching a £1000 targeted fundraiser to allow emergency weatherproofing works to commence on 315856, based at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway.

The vehicle's integrity has begun to deteriorate rapidly. The cabs and saloon have begun to suffer from major water ingress. If the unit's condition continues to decline at the current rate without intervention we could be at serious risk of losing the sole surviving Class 315 in preservation.​​

 To rectify this situation, we are delighted to confirm that an agreement has been reached with the railway to allow Driving Motor Standard (DMS) vehicle 64571 to be shunted undercover into the main workshop at Llanelli for a short but intensive period in January 2026. This rare opportunity will allow a structured programme of hands-on work to begin in a controlled environment, something that is not possible while the vehicle is stored outdoors.​

During the vehicle's time in the workshop, our volunteers will focus on essential repair tasks, including investigating and addressing sources of water ingress, undertaking roof-level repairs, carrying out bodyside preparation, and applying protective priming and undercoat to stabilise the vehicle’s condition.

“I am pleased to work with the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway with our agreement to provide temporary undercover facilities for the leading vehicle of the ACMU Society’s preserved Class 315 unit. We hope the work undertaken indoors will be fruitful for the vehicle’s longevity in preservation, and set a strong foundation for providing similar treatment to the remaining vehicles throughout 2026.”

 -Lakshman Pathak, C315 Project Lead.

​To make this work possible, we are aiming to raise £1,000 to contribute towards the costs of moving the vehicle, hiring and transporting tools and equipment, and purchasing essential restoration materials.We are also extremely grateful to have up to £500 of match funding already secured from an anonymous donor. This means that for every £1 you donate, £2 will go towards the project, significantly increasing the impact of your support.​​ 

For more information, please read our dedicated project page:

https://www.acmusociety.com/yellow-submarine

Take a look at our Crowdfunder, which will soon be live at:https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/acmu-society