DMU Subsitutions

[The Fatadder]

As part of the preparation of stock for my china clay layout, I have turned attention to planning what I am going to need for my passenger workings. Having foolishly sold the majority of my 1980s passenger stock a few years back (and ploughed the proceeds into 1940s steam) I am now left with a half finished pacer (to be sprayed in Chocolate and Cream) and an NSE 101 which probably needs a respray into blue/ grey. I also have a handful of Blue / Grey Mk1s.

 

I recall that at times during the 80s there were shortages of DMUs in the SW (especially in 1988 when the 155s were withdrawn,) during which as a last resort Class 50s were substituted.

 

After a trawl of flickr I am struggling to find examples of formations, so I was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction?

[Ramblin Rich]

There were Barnstaple line workings as inspiration. I've posted these in a thread about 2 coach trains (not all class 50s)

 

Barnstaple line 1989 -  2 coach DMU replacement with class 50:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tarkaman/5452132890/in/album-72157626070317318/

1990 - 2 BSK brakes plus class 50:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rail_archive/5477234418/

class 47 1990

https://www.flickr.com/photos/34906043@N07/7113698675/in/photostream/

class 37 with failed DMU 1991

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rail_archive/5477234494/

 

Another of Ian Dimore's shots with class 50 + 3 coaches

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tarkaman/5451521145/in/album-72157626070317318/

[Ramblin Rich]

Bit more info on the Barnstaple services on other threads

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46591

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/107611-barnstaple-bumper-set/

I know it's not exactly Cornwall but hopefully still relevant.

 

There's a couple of references in John Vaughan's book "Diesel Days - Devon & Cornwall" to 'the glorious era when stopping trains between Penzance and Plymouth were formed of locos and stock'. The pictures show:

14/10/82 50 047 rail blue SK-CK-SK-BG

18/04/83 50 007 large logo BSK-SK-CK