Originally Posted by
hobbs1951
As your frame number begins with W this denotes a Worksop build; the only anomaly is that Raleigh used the W prefix after the Worksop factory was closed (in 1981) to differentiate the better quality lightweight frames from the more prosaic one's built at Nottingham.
Another anomaly is that Worksop bulit high end Raleighs as well as Carltons. Furthermore, I wrote the Classic Lightweights article on the SBDU that one poster has provided a link to.
Hope this helps, John.
Thanks, John - that is helpful. Didn't think it was an SBDU, given the serial, but since it's a pretty close facsimile cosmetically and structurally, I thought I'd look into it. I have an '86 531 Prestige built in Nottingham that also has a W serial number, so the W denoting a higher end frame would make sense there. In this case, being that the Worksop factory had not yet closed, the W seems a bit more ambiguous - is it safe to say that '78 frames with W serials were Worksop made?
At this point, convinced it's not an SBDU, I'm trying to figure out exactly what it is, rather than what it isn't, given the original decals, "craftsman made" decal, and structural differences from the typical '78 Professionals. Was that just the decal scheme and lug choice from across the pond?
Anyway, I'll be sure to check out your article. Thanks again.