Class 116 diesel multiple units

[johnw1]

Some Tyseley sets out and about July 1980

 

M50052 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/pics-by-john/5661674827/

M50112 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/pics-by-john/8186577401/

M50830 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/pics-by-john/5798675817/

M50862 – http://www.flickr.com/photos/pics-by-john/6176896701/

 

 

Edited September 26, 2020 by johnw1

[MJI]

Quite a few on Youtube. I have probably posted this before

 

 

[EddieK]

I apologise that this is chronologically out of place in this thread, but just seen this on Flickr

 

 

[EddieK]

Also found this...

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/plzen242/49055690223/in/pool-1stgendmu/

[chrisf]

Thanks Eddie, Martin and John for the pics!  It was especially nice to see a 116 on the sea wall.

 

Chris

[MJI]

What is interesting about my video is the use of the marker lights.

 

Out of interest I have had that portable nearly 35 years and it still works unlike the camera.

 

I just missed GWR150.

[chrisf]

1983

 

Notable in 1983 was the renumbering of much of the dmu fleet as a result of the introduction of TOPS.  Power cars numbered 50xxx were renumbered 53xxx and driving trailers with numbers in the 56xxx series received new numbers in the 54xxx series, all to avoid conflict on TOPS between humble dmu vehicles and the mighty locomotives of Classes 50 and 56.  Withdrawal of non-driving trailers numbered 59xxx avoided clashes with the GM locos of Class 59.  The Deltics of Class 55 had already been withdrawn to leave the single power cars in sole occupation of the 55xxx series.  Such was the depth of knowledge within the model railway press that an article in Model Rail asserted that the third batch of 116 power cars, numbered in the 51xxx series, was in fact the first.  Oh dear.

 

In the second half of 1983 a start was made on renumbering Tyseley sets.  Those high density sets, ie Class 116, which were gangway fitted were to be given new numbers in the TS600 series if toilet fitted and the TS620 series if not. It is assumed that sets without gangways kept their TS5xx series numbers.  Be that as it may, it means that the Tyseley set formations and numbers returned to the state of flux which characterised them for so long.  The other ongoing change was the replacement of the original trailers with others displaced from Allerton [Class 115] and Cricklewood [Class 127].  Most of the original trailers were eventually sent for scrap but two, 59003 and 59004, found new homes in preservation at the Torbay and Dartmouth Railway.  It will be recalled that the 5xx set numbering originally used the trailer number as its basis.

 

The allocation of Class 116 to Cricklewood came to an end by October 1983.  What work they had after the electrification to Moorgate came into use, mostly the Kentish Town to Barking service, was taken over by Class 127 power twins.  Before dealing with transfers and withdrawals it will be convenient to look at what happened to Class 116 on the Western and Scottish Regions in 1983.  

 

From May 1983 the Cardiff Valleys passenger service was further reduced, with less frequent trains in the evening.  The 16 3-coach sets stabled as follows: Barry 2, Rhymney 4, Treherbert 4 plus one single unit, Cardiff 6 plus one single unit.  It is salutary to note that when the dmus were introduced in 1958 over 50 were required.  3 car sets were put to work on the night staff trains between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel Junction and the 18.07 Cardiff – Bristol.  One single car worked the 04.35 Treherbert – Cardiff, 07.10 Cardiff – Chepstow, 08.10 Chepstow – Cardiff, 10.17 Cardiff – Gloucester, 12.07 Cheltenham – Cardiff and 17.02 Cardiff – Treherbert.  The other shuttled between Rhymney and Bargoed as many trains no longer ran through to Rhymney.  There must have been some concern as to the long term future of the Valley Lines.  For reasons unknown sets C327 and C332 exchanged trailers, 59034 changing places with 59446.  Here it should be noted that in May 50083+59550+50820 [P307] moved from Laira to Bristol and became B307.

 

 

On 3rd August 1983 an Eastfield set, 50836+59347+50889 [set 116391], was derailed at the site of Portobello station and caught fire.  The trailer was completely gutted.  The set was put to store unserviceable pending disposal, which took place in 1984.

  

Withdrawals

January – 50877 from Eastfield.  March – 50062 from Tyseley [reinstated April]. May – 59006, 59011, 59020, 59022, 59028, all from Tyseley.  July – 59336 from Tyseley.  October – 59007, 59009, 59010, 59013, 59014, 59015, 59018, 59019, 59026, 59328, 59332 and 59351, all from Tyseley.  November – 59003, 59004.  December – 59001, 59002, 59005, 59012, 59029, 59334, 59339, 59341, 59343, 59360, 59361, 59365, 59376, all from Tyseley.  59027 from store 

 

Stored

From Eastfield: July, 59027.  From Tyseley:  July, 59038.  November, 59001-5/12/29, 59334/9/41/3/60/1/5/76.   December: 59326/40/2.

 

Transfers

February – 50063 Tyseley – Cricklewood, 50838 Cricklewood – Tyseley

50063, 59365, 50903 Cricklewood – Tyseley

August – 53071, 53101 Cricklewood – Tyseley

October – 53114 Cricklewood – Tyseley [last one at CW]

 

Temporary formations, March 1983

TS506 59674 vice 59006

TS519 59714 vice 59343

TS529 59713 vice 59000

TS559 59757 vice 59714

And doubtless others which were not recorded.  This is Tyseley, after all.

 

Tyseley set formations

This is very much a snapshot in time.  The base date is 24th August 1983, when a survey was carried out, with subsequent known alterations up to 18th December added.  Italics denote vehicle not of Class 116.

 

TS500  53061+59442+53092 [was 59019]

TS501  53057+59741+53097 [was 59001]

TS502  53861+59597+53012 [was 59002]

TS503  53076+59598+53118 [was 59003]

TS504  53059+59610+53104 [was 59004]

TS505  53065+59595+53094

TS506  53058+59592+53112

TS507  53069+59714+53099 [was 59589]

TS508  53851+59376+53904 [to TS605]

TS509  53072+59648+53105 [was 59623]

TS510  53067+59643+53093 [was 59622]

TS511  53054+59626+53106

TS512  53051+59012+53113

TS513  53077+59013+53120

TS514  53862+59014+53872 [to TS607]

TS515  53050+59621+51143

TS516  53074+59638+53130

TS517  53824+59640+53906 [was 59741]

TS518  53056+59636+53098

TS519  53064+59714+53111

TS520  53827+59361+53880

TS521  53060+59615+53902

TS522  53078+59613+53109 [was 59440]

TS523  53055+59641+53116 [was 59023].

(Observed working from Cricklewood during March)

TS524  53066+59607+53109 [was 59005] 

TS525  53830+59443+53883

TS526  53070+59026+53095

TS527  53849+59632+53870 [to TS620]

TS528  53062+59715+53117

TS529  53828+59716+53127

TS530 53831+59713+53884 [was 59339]

TS531  53052+59341+53914

TS532  53079+59725+53121

TS533 51129+59615+51142 [was 59439][to TS604]

TS534  53053+59629+53886 [was 59342]

TS535  53860+59438+53913

TS536  53833+59718+53107

TS537  51130+59343+53108

TS538 51131+59674+51144

TS539  53838+59717+53119

TS540  53832+59625+53885 [was 59029]

TS541  53835+59334+53888

TS542  53837+59735+53890

TS543 53870+59439+53114 [formed 10/83]

TS544  53854+59604+53907

TS545  53819+59647+53915 [was 59346]

TS546 51138+59448+51151 [to TS622]

TS547  53857+59368+53910 [to TS623]

TS548  53866+59352+53919 [to TS624]

TS549  51136+59439+51149 [to TS603]

TS550  53082+59115+53124

TS551  53852+59614+53871 [was 59328]

TS552 

TS553  53818+59326+53878

TS554  53821+59333+53875

TS555  53826+59360+53905 [to TS606]

TS556 

TS557  53840+59609+53100

TS558  53850+59594+53102

TS559  53073+59674+53891 [was 59757]

TS560

TS561  53063+59600+53903 [was 59365]

TS562  53075+59634+53893

TS563  53071+59616+53101

TS600  53863+59118+53916

TS601  53081+59543+53123

TS602  51133+59570+51146 [was 59533]

TS603 51136+59106+51149 [was TS549 with 59439]

TS604 51129+59757+51142 [was TS533 with 59615]

TS605 53851+59527+53904 [was TS508 with 59376]

TS606 53826+59360+53905 [was TS555]

TS607 53862+59107+53872 [was TS514]

TS620  53834+59366+53887 [was TS527]

TS621  53842+59350+53895

TS622  51138+59448+51151 [was TS546]

TS623 53857+59368+53910 [was TS547]

TS624 53866+59352+53919 [was TS548]

 

Withdrawn trailers were moved in batches from Tyseley to Tinsley yard.  On 20th September the journey was made by 59007, 59009, 59015, 59018, 59019, 59021, 59038 and 59351.  Some withdrawn trailers were sold to Mayer Newman, Snailwell.  Those known include: 59006, 59011, 59020, 59022, 59028 and 59336.

 

51129, 51133, 51142 and 51146 were fitted with gangways at Carlisle during August and September.  53851, 53862, 53872 and 53904 went there for this treatment during October.  More set renumbering …

 

Chris

 

[EddieK]

Chris - thanks for this latest instalment.

 

In Summer 1983 I finished my time at school and moved into the world of further education. The choice of the University of Birmingham was partly influenced by the wide selection of DMUs in the local area, the above Class 116s included....

 

Two aspects of 1983 stick in my mind in regard of the Tyseley Class 116 fleet. Firstly, the appearance of a large number of "old friends" from the Class 127 trailer car fleet in the Tyseley 116 formations. (Having been a resident of St Albans from birth until 1983, I knew the 127s fairly well.) Secondly, the appearance of the ex Cricklewood 116s at Tyseley, usually following refurbishment at Derby Carriage Works.

 

The Class 127 centre cars in their last few years on St Pancras duties had looked as shabby as the power cars. From October 1982, a few of these trailers had been through works and emerged in Blue/Grey livery, which did liven-up the appearance of the 127 sets in their final year or so. The trailers that ran in B/G at Cricklewood were (from memory) unchanged internally and so retained the rather gaudy yellow laminate on the transverse partitions. These vehicles simply moved to Tyseley and were placed into service within 116s. A number of other Class 127 trailers finished their time at Cricklewood still in shabby plain blue livery but then went to Derby Carriage Works and went through the refurbishment scheme - similarly to Class 115 vehicles for Marylebone and Allerton services. These could be identified by the diffused fluorescent interior lamps and the new cream laminate on side panels and transverse partitions. 

 

The ex Cricklewood 116s that moved to Tyseley also benefitted from the attention at Derby Works, and they typically had the new cream laminate on the interiors, along with the customary fluorescent lighting, brown vinyl behind the luggage racks and so on. What made them particularly distinctive was the woodwork around the bodyside glazing - on earlier refurbishments, this woodwork was usually given a coat of brown paint. On the Derby refurbs around 1983, it looked like this had been totally renewed and hardwood with a varnished finish. Very classy, to my mind.

[KeithMacdonald]

On 01/10/2020 at 08:04, chrisf said:

Thanks Eddie, Martin and John for the pics!  It was especially nice to see a 116 on the sea wall.

 

Chris

 

@chrisf - do you have any idea when that was taken?

[rodent279]

On 27/10/2020 at 21:12, chrisf said:

1983

 

Notable in 1983 was the renumbering of much of the dmu fleet as a result of the introduction of TOPS.  Power cars numbered 50xxx were renumbered 53xxx and driving trailers with numbers in the 56xxx series received new numbers in the 54xxx series, all to avoid conflict on TOPS between humble dmu vehicles and the mighty locomotives of Classes 50 and 56.  Withdrawal of non-driving trailers numbered 59xxx avoided clashes with the GM locos of Class 59.  The Deltics of Class 55 had already been withdrawn to leave the single power cars in sole occupation of the 55xxx series.  Such was the depth of knowledge within the model railway press that an article in Model Rail asserted that the third batch of 116 power cars, numbered in the 51xxx series, was in fact the first.  Oh dear.

 

In the second half of 1983 a start was made on renumbering Tyseley sets.  Those high density sets, ie Class 116, which were gangway fitted were to be given new numbers in the TS600 series if toilet fitted and the TS620 series if not. It is assumed that sets without gangways kept their TS5xx series numbers.  Be that as it may, it means that the Tyseley set formations and numbers returned to the state of flux which characterised them for so long.  The other ongoing change was the replacement of the original trailers with others displaced from Allerton [Class 115] and Cricklewood [Class 127].  Most of the original trailers were eventually sent for scrap but two, 59003 and 59004, found new homes in preservation at the Torbay and Dartmouth Railway.  It will be recalled that the 5xx set numbering originally used the trailer number as its basis.

 

The allocation of Class 116 to Cricklewood came to an end by October 1983.  What work they had after the electrification to Moorgate came into use, mostly the Kentish Town to Barking service, was taken over by Class 127 power twins.  Before dealing with transfers and withdrawals it will be convenient to look at what happened to Class 116 on the Western and Scottish Regions in 1983.  

 

From May 1983 the Cardiff Valleys passenger service was further reduced, with less frequent trains in the evening.  The 16 3-coach sets stabled as follows: Barry 2, Rhymney 4, Treherbert 4 plus one single unit, Cardiff 6 plus one single unit.  It is salutary to note that when the dmus were introduced in 1958 over 50 were required.  3 car sets were put to work on the night staff trains between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel Junction and the 18.07 Cardiff – Bristol.  One single car worked the 04.35 Treherbert – Cardiff, 07.10 Cardiff – Chepstow, 08.10 Chepstow – Cardiff, 10.17 Cardiff – Gloucester, 12.07 Cheltenham – Cardiff and 17.02 Cardiff – Treherbert.  The other shuttled between Rhymney and Bargoed as many trains no longer ran through to Rhymney.  There must have been some concern as to the long term future of the Valley Lines.  For reasons unknown sets C327 and C332 exchanged trailers, 59034 changing places with 59446.  Here it should be noted that in May 50083+59550+50820 [P307] moved from Laira to Bristol and became B307.

 

 

On 3rd August 1983 an Eastfield set, 50836+59347+50889 [set 116391], was derailed at the site of Portobello station and caught fire.  The trailer was completely gutted.  The set was put to store unserviceable pending disposal, which took place in 1984.

  

Withdrawals

January – 50877 from Eastfield.  March – 50062 from Tyseley [reinstated April]. May – 59006, 59011, 59020, 59022, 59028, all from Tyseley.  July – 59336 from Tyseley.  October – 59007, 59009, 59010, 59013, 59014, 59015, 59018, 59019, 59026, 59328, 59332 and 59351, all from Tyseley.  November – 59003, 59004.  December – 59001, 59002, 59005, 59012, 59029, 59334, 59339, 59341, 59343, 59360, 59361, 59365, 59376, all from Tyseley.  59027 from store 

 

Stored

From Eastfield: July, 59027.  From Tyseley:  July, 59038.  November, 59001-5/12/29, 59334/9/41/3/60/1/5/76.   December: 59326/40/2.

 

Transfers

February – 50063 Tyseley – Cricklewood, 50838 Cricklewood – Tyseley

50063, 59365, 50903 Cricklewood – Tyseley

August – 53071, 53101 Cricklewood – Tyseley

October – 53114 Cricklewood – Tyseley [last one at CW]

 

Temporary formations, March 1983

TS506 59674 vice 59006

TS519 59714 vice 59343

TS529 59713 vice 59000

TS559 59757 vice 59714

And doubtless others which were not recorded.  This is Tyseley, after all.

 

Tyseley set formations

This is very much a snapshot in time.  The base date is 24th August 1983, when a survey was carried out, with subsequent known alterations up to 18th December added.  Italics denote vehicle not of Class 116.

 

TS500  53061+59442+53092 [was 59019]

TS501  53057+59741+53097 [was 59001]

TS502  53861+59597+53012 [was 59002]

TS503  53076+59598+53118 [was 59003]

TS504  53059+59610+53104 [was 59004]

TS505  53065+59595+53094

TS506  53058+59592+53112

TS507  53069+59714+53099 [was 59589]

TS508  53851+59376+53904 [to TS605]

TS509  53072+59648+53105 [was 59623]

TS510  53067+59643+53093 [was 59622]

TS511  53054+59626+53106

TS512  53051+59012+53113

TS513  53077+59013+53120

TS514  53862+59014+53872 [to TS607]

TS515  53050+59621+51143

TS516  53074+59638+53130

TS517  53824+59640+53906 [was 59741]

TS518  53056+59636+53098

TS519  53064+59714+53111

TS520  53827+59361+53880

TS521  53060+59615+53902

TS522  53078+59613+53109 [was 59440]

TS523  53055+59641+53116 [was 59023].

(Observed working from Cricklewood during March)

TS524  53066+59607+53109 [was 59005] 

TS525  53830+59443+53883

TS526  53070+59026+53095

TS527  53849+59632+53870 [to TS620]

TS528  53062+59715+53117

TS529  53828+59716+53127

TS530 53831+59713+53884 [was 59339]

TS531  53052+59341+53914

TS532  53079+59725+53121

TS533 51129+59615+51142 [was 59439][to TS604]

TS534  53053+59629+53886 [was 59342]

TS535  53860+59438+53913

TS536  53833+59718+53107

TS537  51130+59343+53108

TS538 51131+59674+51144

TS539  53838+59717+53119

TS540  53832+59625+53885 [was 59029]

TS541  53835+59334+53888

TS542  53837+59735+53890

TS543 53870+59439+53114 [formed 10/83]

TS544  53854+59604+53907

TS545  53819+59647+53915 [was 59346]

TS546 51138+59448+51151 [to TS622]

TS547  53857+59368+53910 [to TS623]

TS548  53866+59352+53919 [to TS624]

TS549  51136+59439+51149 [to TS603]

TS550  53082+59115+53124

TS551  53852+59614+53871 [was 59328]

TS552 

TS553  53818+59326+53878

TS554  53821+59333+53875

TS555  53826+59360+53905 [to TS606]

TS556 

TS557  53840+59609+53100

TS558  53850+59594+53102

TS559  53073+59674+53891 [was 59757]

TS560

TS561  53063+59600+53903 [was 59365]

TS562  53075+59634+53893

TS563  53071+59616+53101

TS600  53863+59118+53916

TS601  53081+59543+53123

TS602  51133+59570+51146 [was 59533]

TS603 51136+59106+51149 [was TS549 with 59439]

TS604 51129+59757+51142 [was TS533 with 59615]

TS605 53851+59527+53904 [was TS508 with 59376]

TS606 53826+59360+53905 [was TS555]

TS607 53862+59107+53872 [was TS514]

TS620  53834+59366+53887 [was TS527]

TS621  53842+59350+53895

TS622  51138+59448+51151 [was TS546]

TS623 53857+59368+53910 [was TS547]

TS624 53866+59352+53919 [was TS548]

 

Withdrawn trailers were moved in batches from Tyseley to Tinsley yard.  On 20th September the journey was made by 59007, 59009, 59015, 59018, 59019, 59021, 59038 and 59351.  Some withdrawn trailers were sold to Mayer Newman, Snailwell.  Those known include: 59006, 59011, 59020, 59022, 59028 and 59336.

 

51129, 51133, 51142 and 51146 were fitted with gangways at Carlisle during August and September.  53851, 53862, 53872 and 53904 went there for this treatment during October.  More set renumbering …

 

Chris

 

I've only just thought about this, which speaks volumes for the processing speed of my brain-but there were only 50 class 50's and 135 (eventually) class 56's, so why were several hundred vehicles renumbered out of the 50xxx & 56xxx ranges? 

It's not like BR was ever going to add a few hundred more class 50's to it's books is it? Likewise class 56's-by 1983, class 58 was the future "standard" freight loco.

Edited November 25, 2020 by rodent279

[KeithMacdonald]

8 hours ago, KeithMacdonald said:

 

@chrisf - do you have any idea when that was taken?

 

Just realised I could click through to the original image on Flikr, where it says:

 

Quote

 

A DMU on an up service running along the sea wall near Teignmouth

Taken in August 1972

 

 

From where it links to ...

 

More photos from 1972

 

and

UK Class 100-131 DMUs in BR / TOC service.

https://www.flickr.com/groups/1stgendmu/pool/with/50234827252

 

 

[chrisf]

1984

 

The principal activity in 1984 was the continuing turbulence at Tyseley, where the gradual fitting of gangways continued, accompanied by the replacement of the original centre trailers with vehicles of Classes 115 and 127, the latter rendered surplus by electrification, and other changes in formation for which no explanation has been found.

 

The sad end of Eastfield set 116391 should be recorded here.  Withdrawn after a derailment and fire at Portobello, close to Craigentinny depot, in August 1983, the three vehicles [50836, 59347, 50889] were recorded in July 1984 as being disposed of at Millerhill C&W.  This is not the whole story.  The vehicles were in bad condition and contained blue asbestos.  It was considered impossible to move them to England for disposal.  Instead, all three vehicles were wrapped in plastic and buried at Paterson’s Tip, Mount Vernon.  This may well baffle future archaeologists.

 

More positively, there was evidence of a slight upturn in fortunes in the Cardiff Valleys, where Class 116 had held diminishing sway since 1958.  The Cardiff Queen Street to Penarth service was augmented to half-hourly between 09.25 and 16.25 from 20th February.  This was followed in May by the introduction of half-hourly services between Cardiff and Barry.  There was more tinkering with the timetable with effect from 1st October.  On Saturdays there was a half-hourly service between Cardiff, Caerphilly and Ystrad Mynach, with hourly services to Merthyr, Rhymney and Coryton.  Against this, all services were withdrawn on Sunday mornings from the Valleys, Barry and Penarth, leading to protests by the staff on 8th October.  On 18th November the dispute was made official and had not been resolved by the end of 1984.  In May the Valleys fleet was augmented by an additional set.  In part exchange a single power car was transferred to Laira.  Overnight stabling of sets was now as follows: Barry, two sets: Cardiff Canton, seven sets plus spares: Rhymney, four sets: Treherbert, four sets plus the remaining single unit.  Shoppers’ specials from Aberdare to Cardiff, comprising three trains each way, were run on 1st and 15th December. On the first of these dates sets C330 and C333 were used.  However, on 15th December two Class 117 sets were borrowed from Southall, supplemented by a Canton based 120 Cross-Country set.  The use of the latter on Valleys services was not uncommon at this time given the diminished 116 fleet.  It was perhaps heartening to learn that each and every set allocated to Canton was pressed into service on Christmas Eve 1984.

 

Ominously for Class 116, on 9th February the Government gave the go-ahead for the construction of 100 new dmus after the testing of prototype units of Classes 150 and 151.  A plan was announced in October 1984 to replace the entire Provincial dmu fleet, some 3,700 vehicles in total, with 3,000 new cars.  About 80% were to be Sprinters and the remainder “variants on the Class 142/3 type for rural services”.

 

Although the use of dmus on reliefs and specials was common throughout their lives, it is very rare indeed for their identities to be recorded for posterity.  On 15th December three Tyseley mostly-116 sets formed a charter from Marylebone to the Severn Valley Railway.  The 15 hours of fame go to sets TS600, 612 and 619.    

 

Transfers:

May: 53083+59550+53820 Bristol to Cardiff Canton [B307 to C307].  This is the set with two brake vans.

December: The entire Scottish allocation was moved from Eastfield to Ayr.

 

Withdrawals:

October: 59016, 59346 [Tyseley]

 

Disposals

Sold to Mayer Newman, Snailwell

January: 59007/9/15/8/9/38

May: 59010/4/26, 59328/32

August: 59029, 59365

September: 59016

 

Sold to King, Snailwell

February: 59021, 59351

 

Sold to Amey Roadstone. Redditch

50066, 59024

 

Sold to F Berry, Leicester

August: 59001/2/5/12/3, 59343/60/1/76

 

Stored serviceable, Tyseley

February: 59326, 59342, 59440

 

Tyseley set formations , 7th July 1984

 

TS500  53061+?+53092 [was 59440]

TS501  53057+59725+53097 [was 59741]

TS502  53861+59597+53912

TS503  53076+59598+53118

TS504  53059+59610+53104

TS505  53065+59643+53094 [was 59595]

TS506  53840+59612+53100 [was TS557]

TS507  53069+59714+53099

TS508  53852+59741+53871 [was TS541]

TS509  53072+59648+53105

TS510  53056+59595+53093 [was 59643]

TS511  53054+59626+53106

TS512  53051+59608+53113 [was 59012]

TS513  53077+?+53120 [was 59013]

TS514  53870+59614+53923 [new set]

TS515  53067+59615+53103 [new set]

TS516  53074+59638+53110

TS517  53824+59640+53906

TS518  53050+59642+53098 [was 59636]

TS519  53064+59589+53111 [was 59714]

TS520  53071+59616+53101 [was TS563]

TS521  53838+59634+53893

TS522  53078+59613+53109

TS523 

TS524  53068+59607+53112 [new set] 

TS525  53830+59443+53883

TS526  53070+59441+53095 [was 59026]

TS527  53866+59632+53108 [was TS624]

TS528  53062+59715+53117

TS529  53828+59716+53127

TS530 53831+59711+53884

TS531  53052+59636+53914 [was 59341]

TS532  53818+59757+53121 [new set]

TS533

TS534  53053+59629+53886

TS535  53860+59438+53913

TS536  53833+59621+53107 [was 59718]

TS537  51130+59627+53108 [was 59343]

TS538

TS539  53075+59717+53119

TS540  53832+59625+53885

TS541  53835+59641+53888 [was 59334]

TS542  53837+59735+53890

TS543 53079+59439+53114

TS544  53854+59604+53907

TS545  53819+59647+53915

TS546

TS547 

TS548 

TS549 

TS550 

TS551 

TS552 

TS553  53058+59606+53878 [new set]

TS554  53821+59333+53875

TS555  53826+59617+53905

TS556 

TS557 

TS558  53850+59591+53102 [was 59594]

TS559  53073+59674+53891

TS560

TS561  53063+59442+53903 [was 59600]

TS562  53075+59634+53893

TS600  53857+59130+53910 [was TS623]

TS601 53081+59543+53123

TS602  51133+59570+51146  

TS603 51136+59106+51149

TS604 51129+59101+51142 [was TS533]

TS605 53851+59527+53904 [was TS508 with 59376]

TS606 53082+59602+53124 [was TS550]

TS607 53862+59107+53872 [was TS514]

TS608 51131+59596+51144 [was TS538 with 59674]

TS609 53827+59533+53880 [was TS520 with 59361]

TS610 53837+59603+53890 [was TS542 with 59735]

TS611 53055+59611+53116 [was TS523 with 59641]

TS612 53060+59593+53902 [was TS521 with 59615]

TS613 53863+59594+53916 [was TS600]

TS614 53842+59115+53895 [was TS621 with 59350]

TS620  53834+59366+53887

TS621 

TS622  51138+59448+51151

 

On this day TS558 was at Carlisle for gangway fitting, to be followed by TS510.

 

Finally this time, I was touched to read appreciative remarks about this thread on Facebook!  From one gentleman in particular it is praise indeed and heartens this very weary historian!

 

Chris

[EddieK]

Another welcome update on the history of Class 116. As a resident of the Birmingham area (during term time, anyway) I was able to (mostly) keep up with the ongoing changes to the Tyseley fleet. 

By the end of 1984, the non-gangwayed fleet comprised TS500 - TS555 (with some gaps), a fleet of 46 units, while the 20 gangwayed and toilet fitted sets were all neatly in sequence TS600 - TS619.

 

As ever, thank you for your efforts and I look forward to the nest installment.

[chrisf]

Thanks for the kind words, Eddie.

 

I need to apologise to gentle readers for my unsuccessful attempts to present the data on set formations clearly.  When composing the text in Word I use italics to show which vehicles do not belong to Class 116.  Sadly this modest refinement does not come across when I copy and paste the text into the forum.  I'm sure that a simple solution can be found.

 

I will carry on with the 1985 chapter when I've had my tea!

 

Chris

[08221]

On 28/11/2020 at 16:32, chrisf said:

Sold to Amey Roadstone. Redditch

50066, 59024

 

Never knew about these 2 coach’s going to ARC, does s anyone have more information why, or how they eventually met their fate?

 

Thanks in advance - stay safe, well and happy.

[TheSignalEngineer]

Regarding special workings at that time Tyseley sets usually gangwayed were kept at New Street  to act as the Control Instructions set to cover for failures. One day in week commencing 16th April 1984 we were going from New Street to York and the HST failed en route to Birmingham. Control hastily organised a set and crew so TS606 set off 20 minutes later towards Derby. There we attached to a Class 120 set waiting for us in the platform and continued through to York. The train managed to maintain the point to point timings as the schedule was fairly leisurely and the DMUs had a much better speed pick-up from stops and speed restrictions than the booked HST.

[KeithMacdonald]

On 17/06/2018 at 17:33, chrisf said:

As promised, here is the WR allocation of 116s, checked to Mid October 1965.

...

 

Laira

LA300 50845+59352+50898

LA301 50849+59357+50902

LA302 50865+59372+50918

LA303 51128+59481+51140

LA310 50818+59326+50871

LA311 50868+59376+50921

LA312 50824+59332+50877

LA313 50847+59353+50900

LA314 50838+59346+50891

LA315 50854+59362+50907

LA316 50835+59337+50888

LA317 50829+59334+50882

LA318 50848+59356+50901

LA319 50865+59368+50918

LA320 50856+59364+50909

LA321 50866+59374+50919

LA322 50867+59375+50920

LA323 50855+59363+50908

LA405 50088+50130

 

One of the more endearing characteristics of Laira at this time was the frequency with which it renumbered its sets so the list above should be taken for what it is - a snapshot in time.

 

 

@chrisf - was Laira the base for the DMUs that worked Exeter - Newton Abbot?

[chrisf]

34 minutes ago, KeithMacdonald said:

 

@chrisf - was Laira the base for the DMUs that worked Exeter - Newton Abbot?

 

It was. 

 

Chris 

[Rivercider]

2 hours ago, KeithMacdonald said:

 

@chrisf - was Laira the base for the DMUs that worked Exeter - Newton Abbot?

For quite a few years there were no regular timetabled DMU workings between Exeter and Taunton.

This generally meant that the Laira allocation was captive to Devon and Cornwall, with the Bristol sets not getting west of Taunton.

 

cheers

[chrisf]

1985

 

Transfers:

 

Withdrawals:

January: 59333 [Tyseley]

April: 53830 [Tyseley]

July: 59031, 59359 [Cardiff Canton], 59340 [Laira], 59350/2/66/8 [Tyseley]

October: Set 116390 [53829+59337+53879, from Ayr], 53827 [Tyseley]

December: 53107, 53113, 53888 [Tyseley]

53827 was reinstated at Tyseley in December 1985

 

Conversions: Tyseley’s 53051 and 53072 were converted in September to Driving Motor Luggage Vans. They were reported as transferred to Chester in Jamnuary 1986.

 

Disposals: none recorded.

 

Other news:

 

Although the Aberdare branch had lost its passenger service back in 1964 there was clearly a school of thought that considered the withdrawal misguided.  A local management initiative, actively supported by Mid Glamorgan County Council, decided to test the market.  In doing so it rather stretched the consent of the Department of Transport to run a certain number of passenger trains on a freight-only line.  Shopping specials from Aberdare to Cardiff soon proved lucrative.  In 1985 they were run on 19th January, 16th February, 20th April, 16th June and each Saturday from 5th October to 21st December.  Trains were also run on 28th April in connection with a Fun Day at Barry Island Pleasure Park and during the miners’ holiday between 20th July and 1st August.  On top of that, a pair of Class 117 sets was borrowed from Reading on 16th March when Wales played Ireland at rugby. 

 

As part of a marketing initiative the new Valley Train/Tren y Cwm network name was launched at Pontypridd on 2nd February.  Set C334 was prepared with the new names on each side and a red dragon centrally beneath the cab windows.  It worked a special 11.05 Pontypridd – Cardiff service on which passengers were carried free.  The new lettering and dragons graced almost all of the Valleys fleet by the end of April.  Yet another new timetable was introduced in the Valleys on 13th May.  Among the improvements were the restoration of an hourly service to Merthyr, a better service to Rhymney and a through service from Merthyr to Bristol via what became the City Line. The Class 116 sets were stabled as follows: Barry, two sets: Canton, seven sets plus spares: Rhymney, four sets: Treherbert, four sets.  It was acknowledged that 17 sets were not enough.  A Cross-Country set worked the diagram including the Merthyr – Bristol train and a three-car 101 set formed the 05.00 Cardiff – Rhymney and 07.30 back.  On 6th July C313 was employed on a shuttle between Ninian Park Halt and Cathays in connection with a joint open day at Canton and Cathays.  It was reported that takings were reported to be up by 9% on 1984.

 

The Stratford allocation of five Class 116 sets had been keeping its collective head down for some years.  On 18th January 53845+59375+53898 was called upon to interrupt its duty on the Southminster branch.  It was the only power available to shunt a failed electric loco, 86030, into the bay at Wickford to clear the main line.

 

Tyseley sets always performed many relief and substitute duties but only a fraction were ever reported.  On 1st February TS615 was deployed on a Birmingham – Cardiff special in the path of the late running 12.00 Newcastle – Cardiff, returning as the 18.07 Cardiff – Derby.  Two more Tyseley sets had a grand day out on 9th February.  At Ipswich TS604 was noted forming the 18.57 from Cambridge.  TS614 worked the 05.50 ex Wolverhampton from Leicester to Parkeston Quay, 12.25 Parkeston Quay – Peterborough and 17.12 Peterborough – Ipswich before being observed waiting to form the 22.03 Ipswich – Liverpool Street.  On 27th April sets TS616 and 619 formed a charter from Birmingham to Ledbury and back conveying animal rights protesters!  4th May saw sets TS612+618+620 at Spalding with a flower festival special.  On 11th May sets TS605+603+611 formed a day special from Kidderminster to Matlock and back.  Also in May set TS609 was reported on loan to Bletchley due to a shortage of Class 104 sets.  On 10th June TS514 formed a special from Birmingham in the path of a late running Manchester - Paddington service.  Cardiff set C305 penetrated deep into Tyseley territory on 15th August when it worked on the Cross-city line from Lichfield City.  By way of fair exchange TS603 was observed on 12th December working the 08.16 Barry – Merthyr, 09.38 Merthyr – Bristol, 17.25 Bristol - Cardiff and 21.35 Cardiff – Bristol. 

 

Tyseley set formations, 11th January 1985

 

TS500  53061+59442+53092

TS501  53057+59725+53097

TS502  53861+59597+53912

TS503  53076+59631+53118 [was 59598]

TS504  53059+59610+53104

TS505  53065+59638+53094 [was 59643]

TS506  53840+59612+53840 [was 53100]

TS507  53069+59714+53099

TS508  53852+59741+53871

TS509  53072+59648+53105

TS510  53056+59448+53093 [was 59595]

TS511  53054+59626+53106

TS512  53051+59608+53113

TS513  53077+59735+53120

TS514  53870+59614+53923

TS515  53067+59615+53103

TS516  53074+59595+53110 [was 59638]

TS517  53824+59640+53906

TS518  53050+59642+53121 [was 53098]

TS519  53064+59589+53111

TS520  53071+59616+53101

TS521  53838+59634+53893

TS522  53078+59613+53109

TS523  53075+59643+53903

TS524  53068+59622+53112 [was 59607] 

TS525  53830+59443+53883

TS526  53070+59441+53095

TS527  53866+59632+53108 [was TS624]

TS528  53062+59715+53117

TS529  53828+59716+53127

TS530 53831+59713+53884 [was 59711]

TS531  53052+59636+53914 [was 59341]

TS532  53818+?+53121

TS533

TS534  53053+59629+53886

TS535  53860+59438+53913

TS536  53833+59621+53107

TS537  51130+59627+51143 [was 53108]

TS538

TS539  53063+59717+53119 [was 53075]

TS540  53832+59625+53885

TS541  53835+59641+53888

TS542 

TS543 53079+59439+53114

TS544  53854+59604+53907

TS545  53819+59647+53915

TS546

TS547 

TS548 

TS549 

TS550 

TS551 

TS552 

TS553 

TS554  53821+59674+53875 [was 59333]

TS555  53826+59617+53905

TS600  53857+59130+53910

TS601 53081+59543+53123

TS602  51133+59570+51146  

TS603 51136+59106+51149

TS604 51129+59101+51142

TS605 53851+59527+53904

TS606 53082+59602+53124

TS607 53862+59600+53872 [was 59107]

TS608 51131+59596+51144

TS609 53827+59533+53880

TS610 53837+59603+53890 [was TS542]

TS611 53055+59611+53116

TS612 53060+59593+53902

TS613 53863+59594+53916

TS614 53842+59609+53895 [was 59115]

TS615 53850+59591+53102

TS616 53834+59607+53887 [was TS620]

TS617 51138+59107+51151 [was TS622 with 59438]

TS618 53073+59592+53891 [was TS559]

TS619 53854+59598+53907 [was TS544]

TS620  53849+59606+53878

TS621  53866+59604+53919

 

Other formation news: 59482 replaced 59550 in C307, June 1985

 

Chris

[TheSignalEngineer]

Going back a few years through my slides I have found a shot of TS500 on 25/8/79 IIRC when it worked through on shuttles from New Street to Bewdley.

Edited December 29, 2020 by TheSignalEngineer

[br2975]

Following on from Chris' very informative 1985 notes...

.

Here we have C307, shortly after its' transfer to Canton from Bristol, still running with its MetCamm trailer W59550.

.

C307 is on a Barry - Merthyr working, arriving at Abercynon.

.

My shot was taken from one of the 'toe in the water' - Cl.117 'shopper's specials' waiting on the branch, and  returning from Aberdare to Cardiff in the run up to Christmas 1985.

.

C307 eventually lost its MetCamm for a 'bog fitted' trailer from a 117/118 unit, making it the only Canton suburban unit fitted with 'Ty Bach' facilities, which local sources claimed would enable it to be used exclsively on the Merthyr - Bristol service.......the best laid plans o' mice an' men !

.

Keep up the good work Chris.

Edited December 27, 2020 by br2975

[br2975]

C307 again, with its replacement 'bog fitted' high density trailer.

.

Local sources claimed the unit was intended for use on the daily Merthyr - Bristol service.......but, I don't recall that service running via Heath Halt Low Level and the Coryton Branch, as shown in my photo, taken  circa 1986.

.

Brian R

[EddieK]

According to the Depot Engineer for Canton DMU Depot, the Valley Train / Tren y Cwm launch did not get the best start when the decals for the sides of the trains arrived as "Tren y Cwn" .... I don't think "Dog Train" was what was intended. Perhaps the Canton 116 fleet was a little *Ruff* around the edges.

 

I'll get my coat.

[Halvarras]

On 27/12/2020 at 23:42, br2975 said:

C307 again, with its replacement 'bog fitted' high density trailer.

.

Local sources claimed the unit was intended for use on the daily Merthyr - Bristol service.......but, I don't recall that service running via Heath Halt Low Level and the Coryton Branch, as shown in my photo, taken  circa 1986.

.

Brian R

 

Wow, look at that - a Class 116 (powered) triple set one can create from Lima Class 117 vehicles with minimum butchery!