British Rail Class 107

The British Rail Class 107 diesel multiple units were built by the Derby Works of British Railways and were introduced in 1960. The class looked similar to the later Class 108 units, but were heavier - having been built out of steel.

British Rail Class 107
(Derby short heavyweight)
Units 107 427 and 107 444 at Largs in April 1984
In service1960–1991
ManufacturerBR Derby Works
Built atDerby Works
Family nameFirst generation
ReplacedSteam locomotives and carriages
Constructed1960
Number built26 sets (78 cars)
Formation3-car sets: DMBS-TSL-DMCL
CapacityDMBS: 52 second-class
TSL:71 second-class
DMCL: 12 first-class, 53 second-class
Operator(s)British Rail
Specifications
Car length58 ft 1 in (17.70 m)
Width9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
Maximum speed70 mph (113 km/h)
WeightDMBS: 35.0 tonnes (34.4 long tons; 38.6 short tons)
TCL: 28.5 tonnes (28.0 long tons; 31.4 short tons)
DMCL: 35.5 tonnes (34.9 long tons; 39.1 short tons)
Prime mover(s)Two BUT 6-cylinder diesels per power car
Power output600 bhp (447 kW) per set,
300 bhp (224 kW) per power car,
150 bhp (112 kW) per engine
TransmissionMechanical: 4-speed epicyclic gearbox
Safety system(s)AWS
Coupling systemScrew-link, British Standard gangways
Multiple working■ Blue Square
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)

Usage

The Class 107s were used in the Scottish Region, where the Class remained for its service life. When new, a number were used on Dundee/Arbroath services. In later years, they were used almost exclusively on services radiating from Glasgow Central to such destinations as Barrhead, East Kilbride, and Kilmacolm, and - prior to electrification - on Glasgow/Ayrshire services (especially Largs). Most were withdrawn from service by 1991.

Many of the units went into departmental use after being withdrawn from passenger use. The class suffered from a structural problem, however, which could result in the bodies separating from the chassis under heavy braking.

Orders
Lot No.Car TypeQtyFleet numberNotes
30611Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS)2651985–52010
30612Driving Motor Composite with lavatory (DMCL)2652011–52036
30613Trailer Second with lavatory (TSL)2659782–59807

Originally, there were no fixed set formations, but eventually, sets were numbered as 107425-449 in DMBS order (the DMCLs & TSLs were formed into the sets at random). Renumbered to 107725-749 in 1988 to avoid confusion of set numbers with new 156 units which also had 4xx numbers. Renumbered again to 107025-049 about 1990 to avoid similar confusion with new class 158s numbered in 7xx series.

Other technical details
  • Coupling Code: Blue Square
  • Transmission: Standard mechanical

For coupling codes see British United Traction

Preservation

Several examples of the class have entered preservation.

Set number Vehicle numbers Livery Location Notes
DMBS TSL DMCL
- 51990 - - Strathclyde Strathspey Railway Donor of spare parts
- 51993 - 52012 BR Green Tanat Valley Light Railway Under Restoration
- 52005 - 52031 BR Green Tanat Valley Light Railway Operational
- 52006 - 52025 BR Green Avon Valley Railway[1] Operational
- 52008 - 52030 BR Green Strathspey Railway Under Restoration
- - - 52029 Strathclyde Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Purchased 2015 to be restored[2]
- - 59791 - BR Green Tanat Valley Light Railway Static Display

References

Notes
  1. http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/about-us/locomotives/br-class-107-dmu
  2. http://gwrboardroom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/cdrl-acquire-partner-for-their-class-117.html

Sources
  • Motive Power Recognition: 3 DMUs. Colin J. Marsden
  • British Railway Pictorial: First Generation DMUs. Kevin Robertson
  • British Rail Fleet Survey 8: Diesel Multiple Units- The First Generation. Brian Haresnape
  • A Pictorial Record of British Railways Diesel Multiple Units. Brian Golding
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