Driving Motor Brake Second [DMBS] No. E50599 (laterally numbered No. 53599), built July 1958.

Driving Motor Brake Second [DMBS] No. 53628 (originally numbered M50628), built December 1958.

Driving Motor Second Lavatory [DMSL] No. M51568, built December 1959.

Driving Motor Composite Lavatory [DMCL] No.M52053 (laterally numbered ADB977807), built February 1960.

Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory [DTCL] No. 54223 (originally numbered M56223), built January 1959.

Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory [DTCL] No. M56491 (laterally numbered 54491), built April 1960.

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 SouthEast: the type saw regular use on the line from Gospel Oak to Barking, amongst others. This involved the exterior being painted into a 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, 53628 being the last. Over fifty 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:

50599: 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. The strip lights have been replaced with original pattern tungsten lights recovered from Scrap EMU’s, the exterior was repainted in early multiple unit green in August 2002. It has the distinction of being the first numbered Class 108, and the oldest surviving Class 108.

53628: this vehicle is in the former Network SouthEast livery of red, white and blue. It was purchased 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 DMU vehicle 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 had 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.

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. Repainted into Brunswick Green in June 2001 before the vehicle was loaned to the Keith & Dufftown Railway, together with 52053.

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. Repainted into Brunswick Green in June 2001 before the vehicle was loaned to the Keith & Dufftown Railway, together with 51568.

54223: this vehicle is in the former Network South East livery of red, white and blue. It was purchased 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, returning back to Chappel in late October 2005.

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 November 1994; interior restoration continuing. This vehicle has been sold to the Keith and Dufftown Railway, and will be moving there in late October 2005.

50599: Exterior Bodywork repairs and repaint completed. Solebar, Bogies and equipment part way through cleaning and repaint into ex-works condition. Interior saloons are complete; the four passenger doors require new Formica panels and woodwork before completion. The guard’s compartment is awaiting restoration.

53628, 51568 and 52053: On long term hire to Britain's most northerly preserved railway - the Keith and Dufftown Railway. For information on the Keith and Dufftown Railway, please click here.

Another site of interest is that of The Railcar Association.