Class 251 'Blue Pullman' Profile and Models
W60097 leading with W60647, W60737, W60747, W60744, W60736, W60646 & W60096 trailer vehicles at Old Oak Common depot in July 1967. ©Hugh Llewelyn
The Blue Pullmans were luxury trains used from 1960 to 1973 by British Rail. They were the first Pullman diesel-electric multiple units, incorporating several novel features. Named after their original Nanking blue livery, the trains were conceived under the 1955 Modernisation Plan to create luxury diesel express trains aimed at competing with the motor car and the emerging domestic air travel market. There were two versions, built by Metro-Cammell in Birmingham: two first-class six-car sets for the London Midland Region (LMR), and three two-class eight-car sets for the Western Region (WR). The sets were an advanced and luxurious design, befitting a Pullman train, although they did suffer some criticism particularly over a persistent ride quality problem. Over time it became costly to maintain such a small fleet of trains. The WR sets operated from London Paddington to Birmingham and Wolverhampton, and to Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea. The LMR sets operated the Midland Pullman between London St Pancras and Manchester Central via the Midland Main Line, a journey it accomplished in a record 3 hours 15 minutes with a maximum speed of 90 mph. With declining reliability, the last sets were withdrawn en masse in May 1973. |
|
Type of Unit |
Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit |
Builder |
Metro-Cammell |
Build Dates |
1959 to 1960 |
Total Built |
5 Sets (2 x 6-car and 3 x 8 Car) |
Power Output |
1,000hp per power car |
Top Speed |
90 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
132 to 218 people |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Luxury Passenger Services |
In Service Until |
1973 |
Surviving Examples |
0 |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Kitbuilt | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
KB549 View |
7-Car Midland Pullman DMU | Blue Pullman 'Nanking blue' | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Kitmaster | Requires assembly | Not set |
KM32 View |
Midland Blue Pullman Kitchen Car | Blue Pullman 'Nanking blue' | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Kitmaster | Requires assembly | Not set |
KM33 View |
Midland Blue Pullman Parlour Car Type 6 | Blue Pullman 'Nanking blue' |