Michael S Welch presents some interesting images from the 1960s and 70s of first generation DMUs.
With so much focus these days on multiple unit working it is pertinent to look back at some of the first generation DMU classes that were once plentiful
across the UK rail network. Michael S Welch has amassed a considerable collection of images from various photographers over the years depicting such
DMUs plying their trade and we present a sample here.
(Michael S Welch)
BELOW: Swindon-built Class 120 set C601 from Cardiff passes through Craven
Arms in June 1976 with a Shrewsbury to Swansea working via the Central Wales line. There was no access to this route from the southbound line so the
unit is traversing the reversible northbound platform.
(John Hayward)
BELOW: A lucky survivor. Wickham Class 109 DMU 50416 and 56171 (renumbered to DB975005/006 respectively) was modified to become the Eastern Region’s General Manager’s inspection train in 1967. Upon retirement it eventually passed into preservation and today can be found at the Llangollen Railway.
(Terry Phillips)
BELOW: A Swindon-built Class 120 set arrives at New Holland Town on June 27, 1976 with ECS for a return Mail Line Steam Trust special to Leicester.
(John Hayward)
BELOW: A typical rural station, still with its buildings before rationalisation replaced them with ‘bus stops’. A Class 114 DMU calls at Habrough in North Lincolnshire on July 19, 1969.
(Terry Phillips)
ABOVE: The definition of ‘shake, rattle and roll’ as a green Class 105 Cravens formation arrives at the King’s Cross suburban platforms on September 28, 1966.
(Terry Phillips)
ABOVE: A six-car Trans-Pennine Class 124 DMU passes through Greenfield in April 1968 bound for Liverpool. Of note it the transition from green livery to BR corporate blue/grey. (Michael S Welch)
ABOVE: A Derby-built Class 116 DMS leads a Luton service as it departs from Farringdon along the former widened lines in June 1970. Quite a contrast to today’s offering of Class 700 EMUs. (John Hayward)
BELOW: A right mixed bag as a Class 108, three-car Class 104 and a Class 101 arrive at Percy Main on February 24, 1968. Note the abandoned third rail and the forth bonded rail.
LEFT: An RCTS ‘Northern Dales’ railtour at Consett North on September 9, 1972 formed of a mixture of DMU stock. At the time passengers could freely wander around the track, something unheard of today. (Michael Welch)
BELOW: A Metro-Cammell Class 101 DMU stands at Alston in April 1976 with a train for Haltwhistle. (Michael S Welch)