Driving Motor Brake
Second [DMBS] No. 53599 (originally numbered No. E50599). Diagram DQ212, first of Lot
number 30406, built July 1958
Driving Motor Brake Second [DMBS] No. 53628, built December 1958
Driving Trailer Composite (Lavatory) [DTC(L)] No. 54223, built January 1959
Driving Motor Second (Lavatory) [DMS(L)] No. 51568. Diagram DP226, built 1959
Driving Trailer Composite (Lavatory) [DTC(L)] No. 54491 (originally numbered M56491).
Diagram DS311 or DS207, part of Lot number 30602, built 1960.
Driving Motor Composite (Lavatory) [DMC(L)] No.977807 (originally numbered M52053). Part
of Lot number 30660, built 1960.
Details for power cars : Coupling code : Blue square Body : 57ft 6in x 9ft 2in Weight : 28 tons 10 cwt Engines : 2 British United Traction (Leyland) 6 cylinder 11.1 litre horizontal type of 150 hp at 1800 rpm. Transmission : Fluid flywheel, free wheel Self Changing Gears Ltd Type R14 4-speed epicyclic gearbox and BUT F239 Forward/Reverse Final Drive.
Details for trailer cars : Coupling code : Blue square Body : 57ft 6in x 9ft 2in Weight : 21 tons
These six vehicles (owned by Diesel Unit Preservation Associates Ltd) represent the first standard designed Derby Lightweight DMU using a short underframe and integral aluminium alloy body construction but with steel ends, and are considerably lighter than the Class 114 DMUs that were being constructed by BR at Derby Works at the same time. They were constructed with low density seating, bearing in mind their planned use on branch lines as opposed to the busier suburban lines. A toilet was provided in each unit. They were gangwayed between the two vehicles (unlike many suburban DMUs), which enabled the guard to pass through the train collecting fares. Some of the Class 108 DMUs were of three or four vehicles, including intermediate trailer cars. The standard Derby Works features (such as bogies and front end design) were used, and were somewhat more modern in appearance than their predecessors.
The Class 108 DMUs were to be found working throughout the Eastern and Midland Regions of British Rail, working over non electrified lines. The introduction of diesel multiple units proved to be the saviour for some branch lines, as it enabled the withdrawal of station staff (with the guards collecting the fares on the trains), which reduced the operating costs. In addition, there was no fireman required unlike steam locomotives, which again made a substantial economy. During the 1960s, the type made regular appearances on the Marks Tey to Sudbury and Cambridge line.
To present a more modern image, the class 108 DMUs were first refurbished in the mid seventies. This refurbishment involved a new colour scheme (both interior and exterior), installation of strip lights, and recovering of the seats. A further refurbishment programme took place in the mid to late eighties for some of the units, particularly for those units allocated to the then newly created Network South East : the type saw regular use on the line from Gospel Oak to Barking, amongst others. This involved the exterior being painted into the now well known red, white and blue colour scheme, as well as a further recovering of the seats.
Withdrawal of Class 108 DMUs started in 1990, as new Sprinter and Turbo DMUs gradually replaced them. All the Class 108 DMUs were withdrawn from passenger revenue service by November 1993. Over thirty vehicles of this class have passed into preservation.
Individual details of the recent histories - together with work scheduled to be done as part of the ongoing restoration - of the vehicles based at Chappel are as follows :-
53599 : known to have been based at South Gosforth in the early seventies, it was withdrawn from service on 6 January 1993, last based at Old Oak Common. Arrived at Chappel on 23 July 1993. This vehicle is undergoing interior and exterior restoration to recreate the original as-built condition. It has the distinction of being the first numbered Class 108, and the oldest surviving Class 108.
56491 : was based at Longsight Depot in Manchester for many years. Last based at Reading, it was withdrawn on 17 December 1992. Arrived at Chappel on 24 July 1993. Repainted into Brunswick Green in late 1994; interior restoration continuing.
51568 : known to have been based at Chester in the early seventies, after withdrawal it was stored at Blackpool, before being purchased by DUPA in March 1994. Initially stored at Horsham, before moving to Chappel in April 1995. This vehicle was made serviceable after having an engine replaced. Summer 2001 saw this vehicle move on loan to the Keith & Dufftown Railway, together with 52053.
977087 (52053) : was based for much of its life in the Manchester area, operating from Newton Heath Depot. After withdrawal from revenue service in Autumn 1992 adapted for use in a Sandite train, but believed to have seen little use in this role. Purchased from Longsight depot, Manchester in 1994. Arrived at Chappel 24 November 1994. Considerable work was required to make it serviceable as some parts were removed and it suffered from vandalism prior to arrival at Chappel. Summer 2001 saw this vehicle move on loan to the Keith & Dufftown Railway, together with 51568.
53628 : this vehicle is in the former Network SouthEast livery of red, white and blue. It was purchased by DUPA Ltd in November 1997 from the GWR Preservation Group Ltd at Southall on the closure of their centre. This vehicles claim to fame is that it was the last Class 108 in revenue service and was formerly based at Old Oak Common depot in West London. It arrived at the Museum by rail in the early hours of 28 April 1998. This vehicle has suffered from a leaking roof, and in November 1999 all roof panel joins were cleaned down and re-sealed. Replacement panels for the ceiling have since been fitted, together with new beading between some of the panels. In March 2000 it went on hire to the Keith & Dufftown Railway in Scotland.
54223 : this vehicle is in the
former Network South East livery of red, white and blue. It was purchased by DUPA Ltd in
November 1997 from the GWR Preservation Group Ltd at Southall on the closure of their
centre. This vehicle was formerly based at Old Oak Common Depot in West London. It arrived
at the Museum by rail in the early hours of 28 April 1998. In March 2000 it went on hire
to the Keith & Dufftown Railway in Scotland.
Current (October 2001) plans for the vehicles are as follows :-
54223 and 53628 : went on hire to Britain's most northerly preserved railway - the Keith and Dufftown Railway - from March 2000. Shortly we hope to add pictures of the unit at work on the Keith & Dufftown Railway. For information on the Keith and Dufftown Railway, please click here.
51568 + 52053 : following interior work, these vehicles were repainted into Brunswick Green before going on hire to the Keith & Dufftown Railway in Summer 2001.
50599 + 56491 : restoration of 50599 will be completed, and 56491 will receive some interior and exterior attention. This will then bring them both back up to ex-works standard. It is intended that 50599 will be fitted with new lorry batteries in due course.
Regular working parties take place : if you are interested in joining in with these, please either e-mail us at dupa@earm.co.uk or telephone 01206 211202 (evenings only).
The latest edition of our NewsLetter can be viewed by clicking here.
APPEAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have any information on the service history of any of these vehicles, we would like to hear from you! Please forward details, either by e-mail to dupa@earm.co.uk or by post to Diesel Unit Preservation Associates, East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel & Wakes Colne Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS.
It is likely that of the six DMU vehicles owned by DUPA Ltd some may be on loan to
other railways periodically.
Another site of interest is that of The Railcar Association.