by Alan Taylor
The1955 British Railways Modernisation Plan envisaged the introduction nationwide of a fleet of 4,600 diesel railcars, mainly for local branch line work (but also including units designed for certain express and cross country routes) which, it was anticipated, would not only achieve significant economies in operation but would also provide a faster and more frequent and comfortable service, particularly on the country’s many (and for the most part unprofitable) branch lines, replacing steam – hauled rakes of often antiquated pre-war non-corridor compartment stock.
Experience gained in diesel multiple unit operation in two areas, the London Midland Region’s 22.5 mile long rural branch from Carlisle to Silloth on the shores of the Solway Firth (which was the first branch line in the country to be converted to diesel multiple unit (DMU) operation from Monday November 29th, 1954) and the densely populated and industrialised Leeds and Bradford area on the North Eastern Region using the original Derby Lightweights in the 79xxx number series, gave an insight into how significant savings could be made in operating costs by diesel unit operation.
Whereas steam haulage required three train crew - driver, fireman and guard -
DMUs required just a driver and guard. In addition their faster acceleration from
stations (often located close together in urban areas) enabled quicker journey times
while turn round at journey’s end could be pared back, there being no need to allow
time for the locomotive to run round and, if necessary, take water. These factors
enabled a faster, more frequent service to be introduced, often based on an even-interval
schedule (more convenient for passengers than the ad hoc timetable, often with lengthy
gaps, then found on many lines) while cut price fares were a further incentive to
encourage usage.
The North Eastern Region was at the forefront of the large scale transition to DMU operation and by the spring of 1962 was operating a high proportion of such services, many provided by distinctive Metropolitan Cammell railcars in two, three and four car sets. Other DMUs placed in service by the NER included those built at Derby and by Cravens and the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW).
In most instances big increases in passenger numbers were reported following DMU introduction (up by 50% on some
