Derby Lightweight Profile and Models
Derby Lightweight power twin unit at Keswick in August 1967. ©Geoffrey Skelsey
The British Rail Derby Lightweight diesel multiple units, were the first such trains to be built en-masse for British Railways. The units were built at BR's Derby Works from 1954 to 1955. The units were built in various formations, including 12 power-twin 2-car units, 84 power-trailer 2-car units, and four 4-car units. The two single car units were originally built as a two-car unit and then split two years later when demand came about. The first units were introduced on services around the West Riding of Yorkshire, namely Leeds to Bradford and Harrogate services from 14 June 1954. Subsequent units were introduced onto services in West Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Newcastle to Middlesbrough, Edinburgh to Glasgow and, later, Birmingham to Sutton Coldfield, Bletchley to Buckingham and Banbury, and East London lines services. They were also the last units to run on the Anglesey Central Railway which closed to public traffic in 1964. These units were an outstanding success, helping to reduce the operating costs of branchlines. Initially they also attracted many more passengers. As such, British Railways ordered many more DMU vehicles from various builders over the next decade, thus helping to eliminate steam locomotives. However, as these units were non-standard compared to other later DMU vehicles, they were subject to early retirement. The last units were withdrawn from normal traffic in 1969. |
|
Type of Unit |
Diesel Multiple Unit |
Builder |
BR Derby Works |
Build Dates |
1954 to 1959 |
Total Built |
217 individual cars |
Coaches Per Unit |
1, 2 or 4-car |
Power Output |
300hp (single car units) 500 to 1000hp (2 or 4 car units) |
Top Speed |
62 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
69 to 130 seats |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Local Passenger |
In Service Until |
1969 |
Surviving Examples |
2 sets |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | DC Kits | Requires assembly | Not set |
DCK108 View |
British Railways 79xxx 2 car Derby Lightweight Diesel multiple unit kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Modern Traction Kits (MTK) | Requires assembly | Not set |
MU15 View |
BR Derby Lightweight 2-Car DMU kit | Awaiting Categorisation |