Class 103 Profile and Models
DTCL 56169 at Prospidnick Halt on the Helston Heritage line in April 2010. ©Tim Green
The British Rail Class 103 diesel multiple units were built by Park Royal Vehicles with diesel engines by British United Traction (BUT). Ordered in the first half of 1955, 20 of these sets were built by Park Royal at the Crossley Motors works in Stockport of the ACV Group. They consisted of a power car and a driving trailer. Standard BUT equipment was fitted, with 'A' type engines. They were allocated new to the London Midland Region of British Railways, spending most of their time at Chester. By the end of the same year they were all allocated to Ryecroft for the routes radiating from Walsall. The last four sets, including W50413 and W56169 the surviving full set, were transferred to the Western Region of British Railways, and worked on the Kingswear Branch having been based out of Laira Depot. The bodywork became troublesome in service, seeing many withdrawn early. By the end of 1972 there were only 12 power and 14 trailers left in service. The last power car was withdrawn in December 1982, and the last trailer in February 1983. |
|
Type of Unit |
1st Generation Diesel Multiple Units |
Builder |
Park Royal |
Build Dates |
1956 to 1957 |
Total Built |
20 sets (40 cars total) |
Coaches Per Unit |
2 |
Power Output |
150bhp per engine (2 per unit) |
Top Speed |
70 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
116 |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Local Passenger |
In Service Until |
1983 |
Surviving Examples |
3 individual cars preserved |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Modern Traction Kits (MTK) | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
DMU15 View |
Park Royal Class 103 2-car DMU conversion kit | Awaiting Categorisation |