British Rail Class 127

Infobox DMU
name = British Rail Class 127


imagesize = 240px
background = #0033cc
caption = Class 127, no, 51625 at Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway on 15 October 2004, whilst on display at the Railcar 50 event. This vehicle has been part-restored to its original condition, having been rebuilt as a parcels unit (numbered 55976) in 1985. This vehicle is preserved at the Midland Railway Butterley, paired with driving motor 51591, and trailer 59609.
Manufacturer =BR Derby
Operator = British Rail
Formation =
Built =1959
LinesServed =
InService = 1959-1989
CarLength = 64 ft 0 in
CarWidth = 9 ft 3 in
CarHeight = 12 ft 4 1/2 in
Weight = 40 tons
Capacity =
MaxSpeed = 70 mph (112 km/h)
Gauge =
Traction =
Engine =
SafetySystem= |

The British Rail Class 127 diesel multiple units were built by BR Derby in 1959. Thirty 4-car units were built, formed of two outer driving motor vehicles, sandwiching two intermediate trailers. The technical description of such as 4-car unit was DMBS + TSL + TS + DMBS.

Numbering

Vehicles were numbered as follows:
*51591-51650 - DMBS
*59589-59618 - TSL
*59619-59648 - TS

Usage

The units were almost exclusively used on London St. Pancras to Bedford commuter services, which earned the class the nickname "Bed-Pan" units. The class was maintained at a new purpose-built depot at Cricklewood.

Powertrain

Unlike other "Heritage" DMU units, the "Bed-Pan" units had hydraulic transmission (as opposed to the more standard mechanical transmission). Power was provided by engines supplied by Rolls-Royce. For further information on the powertrain see British Rail British United Traction.

Replacement

It is generally recognised that at the time, the "Bed-Pan" units operated the most intensive passenger service worked by diesel multiple units. However, this had its toll on the units, and by the late 1970s, it was clear they needed replacing. It was therefore decided to electrify the Bedford line, and replace the Class 127 units with new Class 317 electrical multiple units. The "Bed-Pan" units should have been withdrawn by 1982. However, problems with the new trains meant they had to struggle on in service, despite appalling reliability. The final units lasted in service until eventually being withdrawn in July 1983. The units were then stored at Carlisle depot pending reuse, preservation or scrapping. Subsequently, many trailer vehicles saw further use in combination with Class 116 units, based at Tyseley depot in Birmingham. These lasted until October 1993.

Rebuilding

In 1985, 22 redundant power cars, including the first built, no. 51591, were rebuilt to form 11 two-car parcels units. Vehicles were renumbered 55966-987, and formed into sets CH910 to CH920. Units were fitted with roller-shutter doors, and were based at Chester depot. The units lasted in service until 1989, when they were withdrawn.

Preservation

Three units have been preserved on heritage railways, although only one of these contains a trailer vehicle.

External links

* [http://www.llangollenrailcars.com/ Llangollen Railcar Group - owners of preserved DMUs on Llangollen Railway.]
* [http://www.mrt-railcargroup.co.uk/ Midland Railway Trust Railcar Group - owners of 51591+59609+51625+51610.]
* [http://www.railcar.co.uk/his120-129/127intro.htm History of the Class 127s]