The British Rail Class 124 diesel multiple units were built by BR Swindon Works in 1960.
Operational history
The Class 124 was a class of initially six-car diesel multiple units used and built specifically for the trans-Pennine route. In the late 1970s, the class was merged with their Class 123 cousins that had been relocated from Reading services on the Western Region and, towards the end of their days, ran as 4-car hybrid sets. They were all withdrawn in 1984 when their duties were taken over by Class 31/4 diesel-electric locomotive-hauled rakes of four coaches.
Nine 2-car sets composed of a Class 123 DMBSL and class 124 DMC were formed at Hull in 1984 in case introduction of the class 141 'Pacer' units was delayed, but they were never used in service.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway had the idea of preserving at least one driving unit, due to the cab windows allowing panoramic views, but the plan was scrapped when it was found that the cost of removing the asbestos from the vehicle was prohibitive.
The class was not unique; the Class 124 DMUs shared mechanical components with their sister class 123, on the Western Region, and the Class 126.
'Wrap-around' windscreens were a feature that was also seen on the 'Glasgow Blue Train' Class 303 and 311 electric units; they were also seen on the GEML's Class 309s and the WCML's Class 310s, although these were later modified to cut replacement costs.
Numbering + Table of orders and numbers Lot No. Type Diagram Qty Fleet numbers Notes 30603 Driving Motor Open Composite (DMC) 577 17 51951–51967 21 first, 36 second seats; 30604 Motor Brake Corridor Second (MBSL) 579 17 51968–51984 6 compartments (48 seats); 2 lavatories 30605 Trailer Open Second (TSL) 573 9 59765–59773 64 seats, 2 lavatories 30606 Trailer First Buffet (TFLRB) 562 8 59774–59781 3 first compartments (18 seats); 8 seats in buffet, 2 lavatories (1 passenger, 1 staff)
In later years when operating as 4-car units, the MBSL had their engines removed to reduce maintenance, as it was deemed two Motor Vehicles were adequate. To show this change the remaining MBSL were renumbered on removal of the engines.
Old New 51969 59834 51973 59841 51974 59835 51975 59839 51976 59838 51978 59836 51980 59842 51981 59833 51983 59840 51984 59837
Liveries
They were initially introduced in a green livery, but they never carried the common 'Whiskers' that many DMUs of the time carried. A small yellow panel was added at a later date to the cab front.
They ended their days in then standard BR blue/grey livery.
Technical details
Builder: BR Swindon Works Introduced: 1960 Coupling Code: Blue Square Body: 64 ft 6 in x 9 ft 3 in Engines: Leyland Albion 230 hp, 2 per power car Transmission: Standard mechanical
For coupling codes see British United Traction
References
Sources
Further reading British Rail Fleet Survey 8: Diesel Multiple Units- The First Generation. Brian Haresnape
External links
History of the Class 124s