British Rail Class 126
Encyclopedia
The British Rail Class 126 diesel multiple unit
was built by BR Swindon Works
in 1959/60 to work services from Glasgow to Ayrshire and comprised 22 Motor Second vehicles ( Sc51008-29), 22 Motor Brake Second ( Sc51030-51), 10 Kitchen Trailer First (59391-400) and 11 Trailer Composite (59402-59412) vehicles formed into 22 3-car sets formed Motor Second + Trailer + Motor Brake Second.
These trainsets were based on the earlier Swindon-built trainsets that had been introduced in 1955 to work the Edinburgh Waverley - Glasgow Queen St services with vehicles numbered in the 79xxx series which formed the first Inter City service to be operated by diesel units in Great Britain.
The introduction of these early diesel multiple units originated in a British Transport Commission
report of 1952 that suggested the trial use of diesel railcars. BR's Swindon Works
were chosen to design and build express units for the ex-North British Railway
Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street route.
There is much confusion with these early sets as the Class number (126) was allocated in the early 1970s when TOPS was introduced by British Railways but the imminent withdrawal of 79xxx numbered units meant that they were not reclassified thus Class 126 officially refers to only the 5xxxx series vehicles.
gangways and buckeye couplings
. Each power car was fitted with two AEC 150 hp underfloor engines with mechanical transmission giving a maximum speed of 70 mph. Initially termed "Inter-urban", this was soon changed to "Inter-City" long before that branding was used for mainline express services.
These trains had two front-end designs: either a full-width cab or a half-cab with central gangway connection. The latter "intermediate" driving car allowed through access within a six-car set. Neither end featured any destination blinds or marker lights, only a box holding a stencil indicating the train classification (A, B or C; later changed to 1, 2 or 3). Power car seating was of the "open" saloon arrangement with compartment seating in the trailers. A unique multiple working
control system (coded White Circle) was employed. Unlike other classes, each power car produced its own control air supply and was thus incompatible with any other.
The second batch was closely based on the 1956 stock. One big improvement was that the guard's van was moved to the rear of the coach giving passengers a forward view. Four-character headcode displays were fitted; the intermediate power cars having a two-character box either side of the gangway. Destination blinds and marker lights were not incorporated.
(E. & G.) services in January 1957; allocated to Leith Central
depot. However, the first six three-car sets worked their first three years on Western Region on Birmingham
–South Wales
services. There was criticism of the lack of a forward view for passengers and also of the plain "utility" appearance of the non-gangwayed cab front. The usual E. & G. formation was a six-car set with two trailers together in the centre of the train. The class usually stuck to this route but could appear on other services from time to time.
The second batch entered service in August 1959 from Ayr
depot and was mostly used on Ayrshire Coast Line
on Ayr
, Girvan
, Stranraer, Largs
and Ardrossan
workings. Formations were either three- or six-car with the trailers between two power cars as per most classes.
The 1970s saw the first class accommodation downgraded. Being of a non-standard design, the class was not included in the DMU refurbishment programme so remained in close-to-original condition. The main alteration was the plating over of the outer gangway connection on the DMS vehicles in 1979–81 following drivers' complaints of draughts.
126s were displaced from E. & G. services from 1971 by the Class 27
push-pull sets. All were withdrawn by 1972 except for four cars transferred to Ayr. The Ayrshire Coast stock fared rather better, surviving almost intact until mass withdrawals in the early 1980s. The last two units finally lost the fight in January 1983. Although used on various other routes out of Glasgow in their final years, these 126s remained closely identified with the Ayr line until displacement by a mixture of loco-hauled trains and other DMUs. Electrification
meant that DMU operations on the Ayrshire routes finally ended in 1986 with the introduction of Class 318
EMUs.
for use by LAMCO
mining company for staff trains.
and based at the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. Three of these vehicles have been completely overhauled and are currently in Apple Green livery and the buffet car (79443) is currently undergoing restoration. They most recently featured at the 2011 Diesel Gala. Three others (59098, 59099 & 79441) went to heritage lines but have now been cut up.
Diesel multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:...
was built by BR Swindon Works
Swindon Works
Swindon railway works were built by the Great Western Railway in 1841 in Swindon in the English county of Wiltshire.-History:In 1835 Parliament approved the construction of a railway between London and Bristol. Its Chief Engineer was Isambard Kingdom Brunel.From 1836, Brunel had been buying...
in 1959/60 to work services from Glasgow to Ayrshire and comprised 22 Motor Second vehicles ( Sc51008-29), 22 Motor Brake Second ( Sc51030-51), 10 Kitchen Trailer First (59391-400) and 11 Trailer Composite (59402-59412) vehicles formed into 22 3-car sets formed Motor Second + Trailer + Motor Brake Second.
These trainsets were based on the earlier Swindon-built trainsets that had been introduced in 1955 to work the Edinburgh Waverley - Glasgow Queen St services with vehicles numbered in the 79xxx series which formed the first Inter City service to be operated by diesel units in Great Britain.
The introduction of these early diesel multiple units originated in a British Transport Commission
British Transport Commission
The British Transport Commission was created by Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government as a part of its nationalisation programme, to oversee railways, canals and road freight transport in Great Britain...
report of 1952 that suggested the trial use of diesel railcars. BR's Swindon Works
Swindon Works
Swindon railway works were built by the Great Western Railway in 1841 in Swindon in the English county of Wiltshire.-History:In 1835 Parliament approved the construction of a railway between London and Bristol. Its Chief Engineer was Isambard Kingdom Brunel.From 1836, Brunel had been buying...
were chosen to design and build express units for the ex-North British Railway
North British Railway
The North British Railway was a Scottish railway company that was absorbed into the London and North Eastern Railway at the Grouping in 1923.-History:...
Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street route.
There is much confusion with these early sets as the Class number (126) was allocated in the early 1970s when TOPS was introduced by British Railways but the imminent withdrawal of 79xxx numbered units meant that they were not reclassified thus Class 126 officially refers to only the 5xxxx series vehicles.
Description
The cars were of steel construction and featured PullmanPullman (car or coach)
In the United States, Pullman was used to refer to railroad sleeping cars which were built and operated on most U.S. railroads by the Pullman Company from 1867 to December 31, 1968....
gangways and buckeye couplings
Coupling (railway)
A coupling is a mechanism for connecting rolling stock in a train. The design of the coupler is standard, and is almost as important as the railway gauge, since flexibility and convenience are maximised if all rolling stock can be coupled together.The equipment that connects the couplings to the...
. Each power car was fitted with two AEC 150 hp underfloor engines with mechanical transmission giving a maximum speed of 70 mph. Initially termed "Inter-urban", this was soon changed to "Inter-City" long before that branding was used for mainline express services.
These trains had two front-end designs: either a full-width cab or a half-cab with central gangway connection. The latter "intermediate" driving car allowed through access within a six-car set. Neither end featured any destination blinds or marker lights, only a box holding a stencil indicating the train classification (A, B or C; later changed to 1, 2 or 3). Power car seating was of the "open" saloon arrangement with compartment seating in the trailers. A unique multiple working
Multiple working
Multiple working is a term used on the UK rail network to describe the practice of having more than one diesel or electric locomotive hauling a train under the control of one driver.-Terminology:...
control system (coded White Circle) was employed. Unlike other classes, each power car produced its own control air supply and was thus incompatible with any other.
The second batch was closely based on the 1956 stock. One big improvement was that the guard's van was moved to the rear of the coach giving passengers a forward view. Four-character headcode displays were fitted; the intermediate power cars having a two-character box either side of the gangway. Destination blinds and marker lights were not incorporated.
Operations
Most were introduced to Edinburgh to GlasgowGlasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line
The Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line is a mainline railway line linking Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk in Scotland. It is the principal route out of the four rail links between Scotland's two biggest cities, hosting the flagship "Shuttle" service between and .- Places served :The route...
(E. & G.) services in January 1957; allocated to Leith Central
Leith Central railway station
Leith Central Railway Station was a railway station in Leith, Scotland. It formed the terminus of a North British Railway branch line from Edinburgh Waverley...
depot. However, the first six three-car sets worked their first three years on Western Region on Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
–South Wales
South Wales
South Wales is an area of Wales bordered by England and the Bristol Channel to the east and south, and Mid Wales and West Wales to the north and west. The most densely populated region in the south-west of the United Kingdom, it is home to around 2.1 million people and includes the capital city of...
services. There was criticism of the lack of a forward view for passengers and also of the plain "utility" appearance of the non-gangwayed cab front. The usual E. & G. formation was a six-car set with two trailers together in the centre of the train. The class usually stuck to this route but could appear on other services from time to time.
The second batch entered service in August 1959 from Ayr
Ayr
Ayr is a town and port situated on the Firth of Clyde in south-west Scotland. With a population of around 46,000, Ayr is the largest settlement in Ayrshire, of which it is the county town, and has held royal burgh status since 1205...
depot and was mostly used on Ayrshire Coast Line
Ayrshire Coast Line
The Ayrshire Coast Line is one of the lines within the Strathclyde suburban rail network in Scotland. It has 26 stations and connects the Ayrshire coast to Glasgow...
on Ayr
Ayr railway station
Ayr railway station serves the town of Ayr in South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is situated in Smith Street, off Burns Statue Square. The station, which is managed by First ScotRail, is on the Ayrshire Coast Line, south-west of Glasgow Central railway station....
, Girvan
Girvan
Girvan is a burgh in Carrick, South Ayrshire, Scotland, with a population of about 8000 people. Originally a fishing port, it is now also a seaside resort with beaches and cliffs. Girvan dates back to 1668 when is became a municipal burgh incorporated by by charter...
, Stranraer, Largs
Largs railway station
Largs railway station is a railway station in the town of Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland. The station is managed by First ScotRail and is on the Ayrshire Coast Line, south west of .- History :...
and Ardrossan
Ardrossan railway station
Ardrossan railway station can refer to one of several railway stations in the town of Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, Scotland:*Ardrossan Harbour railway station*Ardrossan South Beach railway station*Ardrossan Town railway station...
workings. Formations were either three- or six-car with the trailers between two power cars as per most classes.
The 1970s saw the first class accommodation downgraded. Being of a non-standard design, the class was not included in the DMU refurbishment programme so remained in close-to-original condition. The main alteration was the plating over of the outer gangway connection on the DMS vehicles in 1979–81 following drivers' complaints of draughts.
126s were displaced from E. & G. services from 1971 by the Class 27
British Rail Class 27
British Rail's Class 27 comprised 69 diesel locomotives built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company during 1961 and 1962. They were a development of the earlier Class 26; both were originally classified as the BRCW Type 2.- Usage :...
push-pull sets. All were withdrawn by 1972 except for four cars transferred to Ayr. The Ayrshire Coast stock fared rather better, surviving almost intact until mass withdrawals in the early 1980s. The last two units finally lost the fight in January 1983. Although used on various other routes out of Glasgow in their final years, these 126s remained closely identified with the Ayr line until displacement by a mixture of loco-hauled trains and other DMUs. Electrification
Railway electrification in Great Britain
Railway electrification in Great Britain started towards of the 19th century. A great range of voltages have been used in the intervening period using both overhead lines and third rails, however the most common standard for mainline services is now 25 kV AC using overhead lines and the...
meant that DMU operations on the Ayrshire routes finally ended in 1986 with the introduction of Class 318
British Rail Class 318
The British Rail Class 318 is an electric multiple unit train, which operates exclusively in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network in West Central Scotland. The units were introduced fully on 29 September 1986 as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast Line between and...
EMUs.
Post-BR use
Five of the ex-E&G leading power cars were overhauled and exported to LiberiaLiberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
for use by LAMCO
Lamco
The Liberian-American-Swedish Minerals Company is a defunct Liberian corporation that mined for iron ore in the Nimba range in Liberia. Founded in 1955 by American and Swedish investors, the company established the first large-scale mining operation in Liberia following the discovery of the Nimba...
mining company for staff trains.
| BR Number | LAMCO Number |
|---|---|
| 79091 | 91 |
| 79093 | 93 |
| 79094 | 94 |
| 79096 | 96 |
| 79097 | 97 |
Preservation
Four vehicles (51017, 51043, 59404 & 79443) survive in preservation, owned by the Scottish Railway Preservation SocietyScottish Railway Preservation Society
The Scottish Railway Preservation Society is a charity, whose principal objective is the preservation and advancement of railway heritage in Scotland. The Society was formed in 1961, and it has been actively collecting and displaying railway artifacts of Scottish significance ever since...
and based at the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway. Three of these vehicles have been completely overhauled and are currently in Apple Green livery and the buffet car (79443) is currently undergoing restoration. They most recently featured at the 2011 Diesel Gala. Three others (59098, 59099 & 79441) went to heritage lines but have now been cut up.
1956 batch
- 79083 - 090, 095 DMBS (Intermediate)
- 79091 - 094, 096 - 111 DMBS (Leading)
- 79155 - 68 DMS (Intermediate)
- 79440 - 7 TRBF
- 79470 - 82 TF
1959 batch
- 50936, 51008 - 29 DMS (Intermediate)
- 51030 - 51 DMBS (Leading)
- 59098 / 9 TRBF
- 59391 - 400 TF
- 59402 - 12 TC