Diesel Multiple Units
The first DMU's designed and built by British Railways were were introduced in 1954 and were known as Derby Lightweights.
However, the BR works at Derby and Swindon did not have sufficient capacity to build the vast number of DMU's which were required under the 1955 Modernisation Plan. These first generation DMU's were powered by two diesel engines of 150, 180 or 230HP with mechanical transmission. Large scale orders were placed with private builders including Metro-Cammell, Gloucester RC&W, Birmingham RC&W, and Cravens.
The BR Swindon 'Trans-Pennine' DMU's were a particularly attractive design.
The Southern Region introduced Diesel-Electric Multiple Units, DEMU's, for the Hastings line and these were generally refereed to as 'Thumpers'. Construction of the SR DEMU's was from 1957-62, and the non-electrified lines in Hampshire became a major route for these units which remained in service for 30+ years.
The Jewel in the Crown of multiple units was the Blue Pullman introduced in 1960. These 90mph DEMU's featured first class luxurious interiors with double-glazed windows and air-conditioning, and were built by Metro-Cammell. The Midland Region ran two 6-car sets as the Midland Pullman service between London and Manchester. The Western Region had three 8-car sets running from London Paddington on the Bristol Pullman, the Birmingham Pullman, and South Wales Pullman services. These trains were finished in the very attractive livery of Nanking Blue, and are regarded as the forerunner of the outstandingly successful High Speed Train of the 1970's.
The first DMU's designed and built by British Railways were were introduced in 1954 and were known as Derby Lightweights.
However, the BR works at Derby and Swindon did not have sufficient capacity to build the vast number of DMU's which were required under the 1955 Modernisation Plan. These first generation DMU's were powered by two diesel engines of 150, 180 or 230HP with mechanical transmission. Large scale orders were placed with private builders including Metro-Cammell, Gloucester RC&W, Birmingham RC&W, and Cravens.
The BR Swindon 'Trans-Pennine' DMU's were a particularly attractive design.
The Southern Region introduced Diesel-Electric Multiple Units, DEMU's, for the Hastings line and these were generally refereed to as 'Thumpers'. Construction of the SR DEMU's was from 1957-62, and the non-electrified lines in Hampshire became a major route for these units which remained in service for 30+ years.
The Jewel in the Crown of multiple units was the Blue Pullman introduced in 1960. These 90mph DEMU's featured first class luxurious interiors with double-glazed windows and air-conditioning, and were built by Metro-Cammell. The Midland Region ran two 6-car sets as the Midland Pullman service between London and Manchester. The Western Region had three 8-car sets running from London Paddington on the Bristol Pullman, the Birmingham Pullman, and South Wales Pullman services. These trains were finished in the very attractive livery of Nanking Blue, and are regarded as the forerunner of the outstandingly successful High Speed Train of the 1970's.