In 1955, Metropolitan Cammell produced its first lightweight diesel multiple units, the prototypes of what were to become British Rail's most successful and longest-lived First Generation DMU type, the Class 101.
Operations[]
The seven London Midland Region sets (formed DMBS + DTCL) were used on the Bury-Bacup line services, while the other sets (formed DMBS + DTSL) were all allocated to the Eastern Region. These sets were used on a variety of lines in East Anglia as well as the (then) non-electrified lines in Essex (Romford-Upminster and Wickford-Southminster branches).
A unit consisting of 79066 and 79282 worked the last passenger service on the Aldeburgh Branch Line in 1966.
Withdrawal[]
They proved to be very successful, but with line closures continuing through the 1960s, including many in East Anglia where the type was first used, their non-standard coupling arrangements left them prone to early withdrawal, which took place during 1967–1969.
Departmental use[]
All were scrapped following withdrawal, except two (79047 + 79053), which were taken into departmental (non-revenue earning) service as 975018 + 975019. They were used at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby as Laboratory 21: Plasma Torch Research. When this extended life was complete, they too were scrapped, in 1981.
Fleet details[]
| Lot No. | Type | Diagram | Qty | Fleet numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30190 | Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) | 591 | 29 | E79047–79075 | 56 seats |
| 30190 | Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) | 592 | 7 | M79076–79082 | 52 seats |
| 30191 | Driving Trailer Second with Lavatory (DTSL) | 593 | 29 | E79263–79291 | 72 seats |
| 30191 | Driving Trailer Composite with Lavatory (DTCL) | 594 | 7 | M79626–79632 | 12 first 53-second |