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Vehicle 51368

Class 117

Builder: Pressed Steel
Layout: High Density
Length: 64ft
Coupling Code: Blue Square
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: None
Engines: Leyland 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical
Lot Number: 30546
Diagram: 534

Allocations

Sep-60	New to	81D (Reading)
Jan-67	Transferred to	81C (Southall)
Apr-68	Transferred to	81D (Reading)
May 1973	Depot code change	RG
w/e 30/06/79	Transferred to	LA (Laira)
w/e 30/09/79	Transferred to	RG (Reading)
16/05/82	Transferred to	BR (Bristol Bath Road)
25/01/88	Transferred to	TS (Tyseley)
09/07/93	Transferred to	LA (Laira) RELA
22/10/93	Sector Change to	LA (Laira) RELV
24/05/94	Transferred to	PZ (Penzance) RELV
Mar-97	Transferred to	HQ (Headquarters) SCXH
Apr-99	Withdrawn from	HQ (Headquarters)

Notes

23rd April 1988 - Seen in chocolate & cream livery

Modifications

4w/e 30/12/72 - Dual AWS fitted
Jul-75 - WR AWS removed

Refurbished

At Swindon Works dated 08/07/1980 released in blue/grey livery

Disposal

Scrapped by MC Metal Processing, Springburn

Some sample formations the vehicle has been noted in:

	51368	59520	51410	As delivered to Reading - September 1960
RDG318	51368	59520	51410	Listed at Reading - circa Oct-60
	51368	59520	51410	Transfer to 81C - Jan-67
465	51368	59520	51410	Listed at Southall - Apr-68 - was S315, non-gangwayed set
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 25/08/69 - at Paddington¹
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 22/10/71 - in Birmingham New Street¹
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 26/10/1971 - at Paddington²
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 14/02/72 - at Royal Oak³
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 25/05/1974 - at Worcester²
L430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at RG - 01/05/1976
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 11/09/76 - in London Paddington¹
L430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at RG - 31st December 1977
	51368	59520	51410	Transfer to LA - w/e 30/06/79
	51368	59520	51410	Transfer to RG - w/e 30/09/79
L430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at RG - 03/03/80
B430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at BR - 15/12/1982
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted circa 08/1983⁴
B430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at BR - 01/01/85
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted 27/05/1985 - Special return working Bristol-Portishead
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted 31/05/85
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted circa 09/1985⁴
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted 15/09/1985 - Paddington to Old Oak Common open day shuttle B430+55020
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 21/09/85 - on Swansea - Landore shuttle⁵
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted 28/02/1986⁴
B430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at Bristol (Bath Road) - Summer 1986
B430	51368	59520	51410	Noted 21/06/1986 - at Reading⁶
	51368	59520	51410	Noted 01/11/86 - on 09:15 Crewe - Shrewsbury⁷
B430	51368	59520	51410	Listed at BR - Aug-87
	51368	59520	51410	Transfer to TS - 25/01/88 - from BR
T305	51368	59520	51410	Formed at TS w/e 07/02/88
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 05/03/1988 - BLS Tame and Avon Railtour
T305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at Tyseley - 7th April 1988
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 23/04/1988⁴
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 23rd April 1988
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 02/05/1988 - Black Eight Railtours The Brickfield Rambler
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 14/05/1988 - Bedworth Boomerang special train for the opening of Bedworth Station.⁴
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 27th August 1988 - on charter from Ormskirk to York
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 01/10/1988 - T305+T325 worked special train to Stanhope, origin unclear
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 22/10/1988 - Severn Valley Railway Association Nosepoker 2 Railtour
T305	51368	59520		Listed at TS - 01/09/89
T305	51368	59611	51410	Listed at TS - 01/12/89
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted circa 05/1990⁴
T305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - mid May-90
T305	51368	59520	51410	Noted circa 05/1991⁴
T305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - Jul-91
T305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - Aug-91
T305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - Dec-91
117305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - 02/07/92
117305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - 24/09/92
117305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - November 1992
117305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at TS - 10/12/92
	51368	59526	51410	Noted 20/12/92 - on 14:15 Coventry - Nuneaton⁵
117305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 02/05/1993 - British Rail Worcester Rail Day Shuttles
117305	51368	59520	51410	Listed at LA - November 1993
117305	51368	59520	51410	Noted 29/05/1994 - Branch Line Society The Devonport Docker Railtour
117305	51361	51368		Listed at PZ - 02/12/96

Formation Sources
1: Leonard Rogers
2: Jeremy Goodyear
3: Gerald Brown
4: Eddie Knorn
5: David Bellamy
6: Robert Chilton
7: Martin Baumann

Images:

Unknown date

Set number: L430

W51368 leads Class 117 DMU set L430 (presumably with 59520 + 51410) at London Paddington with a Class 128 on the rear - date unknown. Paul Redmond.

Unknown date

Set number: L430

W51368 leads Class 117 DMU set L430 (presumably with 59520 + 51410) at London Paddington. Date unknown but between being painted into blue/grey in July 1980 and transfer to Bristol in May 1982. Paul Redmond.

October 1982

Set number: B430

Pressed Steel Class 117 3-car Suburban dmu No.B430 (51368 and presumably 59520 + 51410) approaching Yatton on a Weston-super-Mare - Bristol (Temple Meads) service, 10/82. Hugh Llewelyn.

September 1984

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU set B430 (presumably 51368 59520 51410) heads west from Yarkhill bridge with a Didcot-Hereford service, September 1984. John Crooks.

January 1985

Set number: B430

Class 117 set B430 (presumably 51368 59520 51410) runs past a snowy yard at Hereford in January 1985. John Crooks.

Class 117 DMU at Roman Road Bridge, Hereford

circa May 1985

Set number: B430

Bristol based Class 117 DMU set B430 approaches Hereford from Worcester, seen here at Roman Rd bridge circa May 1985. John Crooks.

May 1985

Set number: B430

On board Pressed Steel Class 117 W51368 (Class 117/2) as part of 3-car suburban dmu Set No B430 (later No.T305, then No.117 305) with W59520 (Class 176) & W51410 (Class 117/1) in BR (WR) chocolate & cream livery and all yellow front end specially repainted for the GWR 150th Anniversary Celebrations winding it's way along the Avon Gorge on a Portishead - Bristol (Temple Meads) special, 05/85. Note Brunel's Clifton Suspension bridge in the background. Hugh Llewelyn.

May 1985

Set number: B430

In glorious sunshine, Chocolate & Cream liveried Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410), is seen curving away from Shelwick Junction on a service from Hereford to Worcester, (possibly on to Oxford), May 1985. John Crooks.

May 1985

Set number: B430

Pressed Steel Class 117 3-car suburban dmu Set No B430 consisting of cars Nos.W51368, W59520 & W51410 in BR (WR) chocolate & cream livery and all yellow front end specially repainted for the GWR 150th Anniversary Celebrations at Bristol (Temple Meads) on a special for the Portishead branch, 05/85. Hugh Llewelyn.

Class 117 DMU at North Somerset Junction, Bristol

May 1985

Set number: B430

Pressed Steel Class 117 3-car suburban dmu Set No B430 at North Somerset Jct., Bristol, on a special for the Portishead branch, 05/85. Taken from 51368 looking towards 59520 and 51410. Hugh Llewelyn.

circa June 1985

Set number: B430

The celebrity Chocolate and Cream Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) leaves Hereford with a service for Worcester, circa June 1985. John Crooks.

30th June 1985

Set number: B430

With the GWR 150 celebrations of 1985 in mind 1st generation DMU No.s W51368, W59520 and W51410 emerge from Bristol Bath Road in GWR Chocolate & Cream livery, on the 30th June 1985. Sadly BR, in their infinite wisdom, announced the closure of Swindon Works within the same year and completely marred any festivities including the planned works open day. Paul Bettany.

8th July 1985

Set number: B430

In the fading light of 8 July 1985 Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) is seen at the Sea Mills stop of a Severn Beach - Bristol Temple Meads service. Stuart Mackay Collection.

11th August 1985

Set number: B430

Repainted in chocolate and cream to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the GWR, Class 117 set no B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) is seen at Bristol Temple Meads on 11 August 1985. Robert28194.

1st September 1985

Set number: B430

GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (W51368 + W59520 + W51410) in Bristol Temple Meads on September 1st, 1985. Hamish Stevenson.

21st September 1985

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU set B430, 51368 + 51410, arrives into Swansea station with a Landore depot open day shuttle on 21 September 1985. Stuart Mackay Collection.

4th October 1985

Set number: B430

The GWR-liveried Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in Upwey station with a Bristol - Weymouth service on 4 October 1985. Stuart Mackay Collection.

circa 1985

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in GWR livery at Worcester circa late 1985. Brian Daniels.

18th January 1986

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMBS 51368, set number B430, is seen arriving at New Street in GWR Chocolate and Cream livery on 18.01.1986. It was allocated to Bristol Bath Road at the time. Andy Cole.

24th April 1986

Set number: B430

At almost 12:30 on 24 April 1986 the GWR-liveried Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) sits in platform 1 of Cardiff Central with a Hereford service. Keith Miller.

7th June 1986

Set number: B430

GWR liveried Class 117 set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) at Ashford Chart Leacon open day on June 7th, 1986. Stuart Pearce.

22nd July 1986

Set number: B430

51410+59520+51368 Westbury 22nd July 1986 Kevin Watson.

2nd August 1986

Set number: B430

GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) leads a nine-car DMU formation at Radipole on 2 August 1986. Stuart Mackay Collection.

12th August 1986

Set number: B430

GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in Bristol Temple Meads station on August 12th, 1986 with the 11:10 departure to Severn Beach. Hamish Stevenson.

27th September 1986

Set number: B430

Bristol Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410), in GWR 150 livery, heads a northbound passenger service at Monmouth Cap, Monmouthshire, between Abergavenny and Pontrilas. 27th September 1986. John Crooks.

17th January 1987

Set number: B430

GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (51358 + 59520 + 51410) seen at Swindon on 17 January 1987. Stuart Mackay Collection.

8th March 1987

Set number: B430

W51368 + 59520 + 51410 at Weymouth on March 8, 1987. John Carter.

May 1987

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) calls at Henley-in-Arden with a Birmingham Moor St - Stratford-upon-Avon service in May 1987. The DMU was painted in Chocolate and Cream livery in 1985 for the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. Chris Morrison.

16th May 1987

Set number: B430

As part of the 1985 celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway, Bristol's B430 set (51368 + 59520 + 51410) was repainted into chocolate and cream livery. It was often to be seen around Birmingham and on 16 May 1987 it was in use on the Cross City line where I photographed it at Longbridge station. Peter Tandy.

13th June 1987

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU set No. B430 (Nos. 51368, 59520 and 51410) arrives at Swindon on 13 June 1987. Brian Creasey.

27th June 1987

Set number: B430

In the GWR 150 "Chocolate & Cream" livery, Bristol based Class 117, B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410), heads north towards Hereford at Haywood summit, between Tram In and Hereford. 27th June 1987. John Crooks.

1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU set T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410), painted in Great Western chocolate and cream livery seen departing from Leamington Spa for Birmingham Snow Hill in 1988. Bob Belcher.

January 1988

Set number: B430

Passengers boarding GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in Swindon station in January 1988. Mike Cooper.

2nd May 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 set T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in Quainton Road station while working "The Birchfield Rambler" tour on 2nd May 1988. Andrew Malloy.

2nd May 1988

Set number: T305

Set T305 (51368, 59520, 51410) is seen at Quainton Road while working "The Birchfield Rambler" tour on 2nd May 1988. Robert Frise.

28th November 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU TY set T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in GW livery outside Tyseley depot, 28-11-88. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.

31st December 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU set T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in the bay at Hereford. Photo taken around the 31st December 1988. Paul James.

1989

Set number: T305

Tyseley's GWR chocolate and cream livery set T305 (51368 + 51410) was working as a 2-car in this photograph from 1989. I shot it at Shirley as it was working a terminating service from Birmingham Moor Street and waiting for the road to proceed and cross over to the up line before returning to Moor Street. These trains have since been extended to Whitlocks End following resignalling and some housing development in the area. Peter Tandy.

1st April 1989

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) was repainted into a chocolate and cream livery for the GWR celebrations in 1985 and was still in those colours on 1 April 1989 when I photographed it near Soho Junction in Birmingham. Most the of the local services were operated with electric units so I assume that this one heading to Birmingham New Street had come from beyond Wolverhampton on the Shrewsbury line. Peter Tandy.

13th April 1989

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU Set T305 (1368 + 59520 + 51410) at University, Birmingham, on 13 April 1989. David Mant.

circa 1990

Set number: T305

The GWR-liveried Class 117 set T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) at Scarborough circa 1990. John Law.

1st June 1990

Set number: T305

The GWR-liveries Class 117 set T305 gets shunted by 08 795, thought to be taken at the Gloucester rail day on 1 June 1990. The KDH Archive.

2nd July 1990

Set number: T305

A 6 car DMU, led by Tyseley's Chocolate and Cream class 117 T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410), approaching Water Orton on 2nd July 1990. Paul James.

2nd July 1990

Set number: T305

A 6 car DMU, led by Tyseley's Chocolate and Cream class 117 T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410), approaching Water Orton on 2nd July 1990. Paul James.

1991

Set number: T305

Tyseley's set T305 formed of the GW Chocolate & Cream liveried 51368 - 59520 - 51410 seen at Derby in 1991. Robert Chilton Collection.

13th April 1991

Set number: T305

The front of 51368 showing the Bear and Ragged Staff symbol used as Warwickshire's motto on the headcode box. Taken at Leamington Spa on 13 April 1991. Peter Tandy.

13th April 1991

Set number: T305

T305 at Leamington Spa Chocolate and cream class 117 T305 (W51368 + W59520 + W51410) standing in Leamington Spa station on 13 April 1991 after arriving from Birmingham Snow Hill. At this time trains had to run to a crossover south of the station before accessing the down platform before returning to Birmingham. Peter Tandy.

20th April 1991

Set number: T305

Tyseley allocated Class 117 set no.T305 formed of DMBS W51368, TCL W59520 and DMS W51410, painted in GWR brown and cream colour scheme, leave Platform 4 at Crewe Station with a service for Nottingham Midland via Derby on the 20th April 1991. After withdrawl in the late 90's both power cars were scrapped at MC Metals, Glasgow, W51368 in April 1999 and W51410 in September of the same year while the centre trailer vehicle was preserved and can be found on the Dartmoor Railway, Devon. Bob Woolnough.

8th June 1991

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU set T305 (51368, 59520 and 51410) at Bescot station on 8 June 1991. Keith Miller.

circa summer 1991

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU set T305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in Warwick station, circa summer 1991. Bob Belcher.

27th June 1992

Set number: 117305

The GWR (ish) chocolate and cream liveried class 117, by now sporting the number 117305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410, moved to Tyseley late in life to add even more colour to the Cross City service whilst the class 323s were awaited. Taken on June 27, 1992 with 51368 leading the Longbridge service at Northfield. Mike Dean.

circa July 1992

Set number: 117305

117 305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) at Nottingham Midland circa July 1992. David Page.

6th February 1993

Set number: 117305

Class 117 set No. 117305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) departs Coventry working the 14:35 service to Stafford on 6 February 1993. Brian Creasey.

2nd May 1993

Set number: T305

Class 37 no. 37114 "City of Worcester" stands at Worcester Shrub Hill on 2 May 1993 hauling GWR-liveried Class 117 set T305 on a shuttle service run in conjunction with the Open Day at Worcester. The shuttle (which had "Castle" 4-6-0 5029 on the other end) made 3 return trips from Shrub Hill to Henwick. Lewis Bevan.

2nd May 1993

Set number: 117305

Class 37 no. 37114 "City of Worcester" arrives back at Shrub Hill with a shuttle service from Henwick on 2 May 1993. The shuttle was being run in conjunction with the Open Day being held at Worcester on that day and was topped and tailed with GWR "Castle" Class no. 5029 "Nunney Castle". 3 of the 4 vehicles making up the coaching stock of this train was chocolate and cream-liveried dmu set 117305. This set consisted of 51368/59520/51410. Lewis Bevan.

4th October 1993

Set number: 117305

GWR liveried 117305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) had recently been transferred to Laira from Tyseley hence the destination blind ("Stourbridge Junction"). Seen at Liskeard on 4/10/93. Sparegang.

4th October 1993

Set number: 117305

117305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) doesn't quite fit into the platform at Looe when seen on 4/10/93. Sparegang.

29th May 1994

Set number: 117305

The Branch Line Society's "Devonport Docker" DMU railtour traverses the Looe branch connection through Liskeard Goods Yard on May 29th 1994 operated by 117305 (51368 + 59520 + 51410). What should have been one of the highlight of the tour was withdrawn from the itinerary by BR at very short notice. The line had always been on the "banned" list because of a perceived risk of buffer locking but it did seem the BLS had at last got approval to take a passenger train over the connection between the mainline and the branch with this tour. It wasn't to be though and the line was one of two lines withdrawn from the tour route a few days before it ran. The other rather unfortunately was the Keyham Junction to Devonport Dockyard branch after which the tour was named. As the tour still had approval to visit the freight only Moorswater branch off the Looe line the DMU set is seen being run ECS between Liskeard mainline platforms and the Looe branch bay. Adrian Nicholls.

15th April 1995

Set number: 117305

117305 running as a 2-car set (51368/51410), emerges from Penzance station on 15th April 1995. Robert Chilton.

16th April 1995

Set number: 117305

51368 and 51410 (117305) awaiting their next turn of duty at Penzance on 16th April 1995. Robert Chilton.

28th April 1995

Set number: 117305

Set 117305 (51368 + 51410) is seen berthed at Penzance depot on 28th April 1995. Ian Buck.

30th July 1995

Set number: 117305

Pressed Steel DMU 117305 (51368/51410) stabled at St Erth on 30 July 1995. David Mant.

30th July 1995

Set number: 117305

117305 (51368 + 51410) alongside 08 644 stabled at St Erth on 30 July 1995. David Mant.

24th August 1995

Set number: 117305

GWR-liveried Class 117 DMBS 51368 is working with a 2-car NSE-liveried Class 117 when seen at St Erth with a St Ives service on 24 August 1995. Alan Grange.

18th March 1997

Set number: 117305

A two-car Class 117 is seen at Aller with the 09:20 Exeter - Penzance service on 18 March 1997. Both vehicles are DMBSs, the closest is easily identifiable as 51368. Stuart Mackay Collection.

1998

51368 outside the rear of Bletchley No.4 road, 1998. Graham Baker.

circa 1999

Set number: 117305

51368 stored at Bletchley TMD circa 1999. Graham Baker.

14th April 1999

Set number: 117305

Moved up from Cornwall for spares chocolate & cream class 117 car 51368 is stabled at Bletchley Depot on 14th April 1999. Ian Buck.

The vehicle is mentioned in the following images:

Date: 1976

Set number: L430

Class 117 set L430 (presumably 51410 closest with 59520 + 51368) at Ealing Broadway in 1976. John Carter.

Date: 1976

Set number: L430

Class 117 set in Ealing Broadway in 1976, presumably with 51410 closest with 59520 + 51368. John Law.

Date: 24th November 1979

Set number: L430

Class 117 set L430 (presumably 51410 + 59520 + 51368) departing from Oxford on 24 November 1979. Nicholas T Smith.

Date: 23rd March 1980

Set number: L430

Class 117 set L430 (presumably 51410 + 59520 + 51368), still in all blue and sporting a tail lamp, stands at Edenbridge on 23 March 1980 deputising for the rostered Class 119 set on a Tonbridge-Reading service. Tony Watson.

Date: 10th September 1982

Set number: B430

B430 (presumably 51410 + 59520 + 51368) and another set passing Clink Road on the 10th September 1982. Steve Davies Collection.

Date: October 1982

Set number: B430

Pressed Steel Class 117 3-car Suburban dmu No.B430 (presumably 51410 + 59520 + 51368) in Rail Blue & Grey with all-yellow front ends approaching Yatton on a Weston-super-Mare - Bristol (Temple Meads) service, 10/82 Hugh Llewelyn.

Date: September 1984

Set number: B430

Under a gathering sky, Class 117 DMU set B430 (presumably 51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Yarkhill bridge with a service bound for Hereford from Didcot. September 1984. John Crooks.

Date: September 1984

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU, set B430 (presumably 51368 59520 51410) is about to pass Stoke Edith SB Up Distant signal with a service from Hereford to Oxford, September 1984. The distant would disappear along with Stoke Edith and Shelwick Junction signal boxes when the line was singled a couple of months later in November of that year. John Crooks.

Date: January 1985

Set number: B430

A quick turn round after arrival sees Class 117 DMU set B430 (presumably 51410 + 59520 + 51368) run back past a snowy yard at Hereford with a train for Worcester in January 1985. John Crooks.

Date: January 1985

Set number: B430

Bristol based Class 117 DMU, set B430 (presumably 51410 59520 51368), runs down towards the diesel depot at Hereford after arriving with a service from Worcester. Once down the depot it will reverse back into the Up Platform, Platform 3 for its return service to Worcester. January 1985. John Crooks.

Date: circa May 1985

Set number: B430

Class 117 DMU set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) freshly painted into its Chocolate & Cream livery, seen in Bristol Temple Meads circa May 1985. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: May 1985

Set number: B430

Chocolate & Cream liveried Class 117 DMU, set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368), seen trough the trees en-route from Shelwick Junction into Hereford, with a service from Worcester. May 1985. The red signal in view is Hereford SB Up Section signal which is the Junction signal for the Worcester line at Shelwick Junction. John Crooks.

Date: 2nd June 1985

Set number: B430

To commemorate GWR 150 in 1985 a Class 117 set 51410 + 59520 + 51368 was repainted into GWR colours. Looking good on 2/6/1985 the unit is seen approaching Newlands East signal box on a Worcester Foregate Street to Hereford working. At the time allocated to Bristol it eventually moved to Tyseley. Stephen Burdett.

Date: 30th June 1985

Set number: B430

Cl 117 set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Bedminster, Bristol, on 30 June 1985. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: July 1985

Set number: B430

GWR liveried Class 117 DMU set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) in July 1985. Taken just to the north of Cogload Jct with the unit on the line to Bristol. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: 14th July 1985

Set number: B430

Class 117 set B430, W51410 (leading) + W59520 + W51368, heads away from Taunton returning to Bristol. A very Great Western scene with the dmu in BR-WR livery, 47628 'Sir Daniel Gooch' in GW livery waiting as back up for the GW150 special headed by 5051 'Drysllwyn Castle' and 4930 'Hagley Hall' waiting at the fine array of semaphore signals. Sunday 14th July 1985 Iain Reid.

Date: summer 1985

Set number: B430

The "Chocolate & Cream" set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) with another set on the rear approaches Hereford from Birmingham circa summer 1985. John Crooks.

Date: 3rd August 1985

Set number: B430

Chocolate and cream Class 117 DMU set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Exeter St Davids on 3 August 1985. Keith Miller.

Date: 7th August 1985

Set number: B430

GWR liveried B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) seen at Exeter St David's with the 11:17 to Exmouth on Wednesday 7th August 1985. Mel Holley.

Date: 8th August 1985

Set number: B430

GWR liveried Class 117 DMU no. B430, consisting of cars W51410 W59520 W51368 is seen at Exeter St Davids on 08/08/1985. DMS W51410 suffered severe fire damage in Cornwall during October 1995, and was cut up the following year. Graeme Phillips Collection.

Date: 15th September 1985

Set number: 120

The GWR_liveried Class 121 (55020) and 117 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) in Paddington station with an Old Oak Common open day shuttle on September 15 1995. Andrew Malloy.

Date: 15th September 1985

Set number: 120

GWR liveried 55020 and Class 117 B430 (51368 / 59520 / 51410) at an Old Oak Common open day on Sunday 15th September 1985. Richard Himson.

Date: 15th September 1985

Set number: 120

55020 and B430 (51368) at OC, earlier in the day the two had worked together on open day shuttles on Sunday 15th September 1985. Richard Himson.

Date: 18th January 1986

Set number: B430

Class 117 set B430 is seen arriving at New Street on 18.01.1986 in GWR Chocolate and Cream livery led by DMS 51410 with 59520 + 51368. It was based at Bristol Bath Road at the time but would eventually be transferred to Tyseley. Andy Cole.

Date: May 1986

Set number: B430

The GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) in Paddington station in May 1986. Image by Tony Martens. John Law Collection.

Date: 5th May 1986

Set number: B430

To commemorate GWR 150 in 1985 class 117 B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) was repainted into chocolate and cream. Here it is at Kidderminster on a working to Birmingham New Street during a Midline festival on 5/5/86. I understand that there were problems with one of the power cars and to ensure that the unit put in an appearance a class 128 power car was added to assist with the ascent of Old Hill bank. Stephen Burdett.

Date: 19th July 1986

Set number: B430

GWR-liveried Class 117 DMU set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Cardiff Central with the 07:35 (SO) Gloucester - Pembroke Dock service on 19 July 1986. Robert Thomas.

Date: 26th July 1986

Set number: B430

B430 (51410 / 59520 / 51368) in chocolate and cream livery at Swindon 26th July 1986. Tiptree Jon.

Date: 12th August 1986

Set number: B430

GWR-liveried Class 117 set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) is seen in Keynsham station with the 16:30 Taunton - Westbury service on August 12th, 1986. Hamish Stevenson.

Date: 13th September 1986

Set number: B430

The GWR 150 liveried class 117 DMU, set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368), at Coedmoor Bridge, between Tram Inn and Hereford, with a northbound passenger service. 13th September 1986. John Crooks.

Date: 3rd January 1987

Set number: B430

Class 117 set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) in its brown and cream livery at Taunton, having arrived with 13.xx from Bristol on 3 January 1987. Unit would work back at 14.40 to Bristol. Rob Paterson.

Date: 28th March 1987

Set number: B430

The "Chocolate & cream" liveried class 117 DMU, set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368), heads south towards Bowdler Level Crossing, between Ludlow and Wooferton, with a southbound service for Cardiff. 28th March 1987. Paul James.

Date: May 1987

Set number: B430

Pressed Steel Class 117 DMU B430 seen passing under the Great Western footbridge at Henley-in-Arden with a Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Moor Street train in May 1987. The unit, consisting of DMS 51410, TS 59520 and DMBS 51368 had been painted in chocolate and cream livery in spring 1985 to mark the 150th anniversary of the GWR Chris Morrison.

Date: 9th May 1987

This picture is dated 9 May 1987 and sbows 55994 topping the GWR-liveried Class 117 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) at Kidderminster while working a service to Birmingham New Street. It looks as if the warm and sunny weekend had brought out a large number of insects judging by the fatalities apparent on the yellow end... Peter Tandy.

Date: 25th July 1987

Set number: B430

Set B430 W51368, W59520 and W51410 nearest on a Norwich to Birmingham at Padnal on July 25th 1987. This DMU set had been reallocated from Bristol to Tyseley. Nicholas Youngman.

Date: 26th September 1987

Set number: B430

Fake GWR liveried Class 117 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) is passing Newport Ebbw Jcn with a late afternoon Cardiff - Chepstow service on 26/09/1987. The DMU carries the number B430 which means it was a Bristol set. The train is passing the sad remains of Newport Ebbw Jnc diesel depot, this was a purpose built depot that catered for the numerous class 37's that were used on the South Wales coal trains but the decline of the coal industry meant that all requirements could be handled by Cardiff Canton and a few locos outstationed at Newport. Geoff Dowling.

Date: January 1988

Set number: B430

The GWR liveried B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Gloucester in January 1988. Mike Cooper.

Date: 1988

Set number: T227

A busy moment at Leamington Spa in 1988. The through platform lines are occupied by DMUs of Class 117 (heritage GWR liveried unit T305 51410 + 59520 + 51368 on the left) and Class 114 (set T227 with 53019 visible), whilst an unidentified class 58 passes through the centre road with a loaded MGR coal train destined for Didcot power station. Bob Belcher.

Date: 1988

Set number: T305

Chocolate & Cream liveried Class 117 DMU T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) seen leaving Leamington Spa for Birmingham Snow Hill in 1988. Bob Belcher.

Date: January 1988

Set number: B430

GWR liveried Class 117 set B430 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) waits to depart from Swindon station in January 1988. It has 'Swindon Junction' on its destination blind. This was the station's original name, which was shortened when Swindon Town closed in 1961 (thanks to 'Mad Mac' for that info). Mike Cooper.

Date: 5th March 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU set T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) in the Birmingham Railway Museum at Tyseley with the Branch Line Society Tame and Avon railtour. The slide was dated 5 March 1988, the Six Bells Junction website suggests this tour ran on the 6th. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: 24th April 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 set T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) is seen in GWR Chocolate and Cream livery at Tyseley on 24.04.1988. This had been repainted for the GWR 150 celebrations and was based at Bristol Bath Road. It had recently been transferred to Tyseley. Andy Cole.

Date: 2nd May 1988

Set number: T305

The Brickfield Rambler railtour at Quainton Road, 2/5/88 with 59520 and 51368. Robert Frise.

Date: 2nd May 1988

Set number: T305

Black Eight Railtours' Brickfields Rambler' from Birmingham New St to Marylebone and Didcot via Quainton Road is seen in London Marylebone on 2/5/88. It utilised celebrity class 117 dmu T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368). Stephen Burdett.

Date: 2nd May 1988

Set number: T305

Set T305 (51410, 59520, 51368) is seen at Quainton Road while working "The Birchfield Rambler" tour on 2nd May 1988. Robert Frise.

Date: 2nd May 1988

Set number: T305

Set T305 (51410, 59520, 51368) is seen at Quainton Road while working "The Birchfield Rambler" tour on 2nd May 1988. Robert Frise.

Date: 6th May 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 numbers W51410 W59520 W51368 in GWR livery departing from Birmingham Moor Street with a train for Stratford-upon-Avon on 6 May 1988. Keith Long.

Date: circa June 1988

Set number: T305

Although not readily apparent in a backlit black & white image this is the chocolate & cream class 117 unit T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368). It was photographed shortly after leaving Hatton station in June 1988 with a local service from Birmingham Moor Street to Leamington Spa. The Stratford canal passes under the line immediately underneath the line. Peter Tandy.

Date: 5th June 1988

Set number: T305

A 1960 built 3-car class 117 Pressed Steel Suburban unit, Tyseley allocated set T305 (W51410), is our transport from Leicester to Coalville for the open day that was taking place there on the 5th June 1988. In 1985 when allocated to Bristol this set B430 (W51410, W59520, W51368) was repainted into GWR colours as part of the GWR 150 celebrations. Andrew J Crowther.

Date: 5th June 1988

Set number: T305

Class 117 DMU set T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Coalville with an open day shuttle from Leicester on 5 June 1988. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: 18th June 1988

Set number: T306

51411, 59521, 51369, (T306) and 51410, 59520 and 51368 (T305) with the 10.20 SO Yarmouth to Birmingham near Ely West Junction on June 18, 1988. Nicholas Youngman.

Date: Autumn 1989

Set number: T305

There was a diesel gala at the Severn Valley Railway in the autumn of 1989 and amongst all the locomotive-hauled trains was the chocolate and cream class 117 DMU T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368). I suspect that fewer photographs were taken of this train than any of the others but I thought it well worth recording. It had just left Bewdley and was heading towards Bridgnorth although the destination board says "Kidderminster". I can't imagine that many of the roller blinds in use at the time had either Bewdley of Bridgnorth available for use! Note the symbol on the former headcode panel showing the Bear and Ragged Staff, this being the emblem of Warwickshire. Peter Tandy.

Date: unknown

Class 117 DMU set B430 (51368 + 59520 + 51410) seen during the Ashford Chart Leacon open day on 7 June 1986. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: unknown

Set number: T305

GWR-liveried Class 117 DMU set T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Abercynon - date unknown. Glyn Weigh.

Date: 22nd November 1991

Set number: T305

The chocolate and cream Class 117 DMU T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) was still working around the Birmingham area on 22 November 1991 and is seen here passing Bescot Stadium station with an ECS from the Wolverhampton direction presumably after working on the Shrewsbury line. Peter Tandy.

Date: circa June 1992

Set number: 117305

Water Orton, around June 1992. Tyseley allocated chocolate & cream liveried Class 117 DMU 117305 (vehicles 51410 + 59520 + 51368) looking recently repainted coming off the line from Derby/Tamworth. It looks to be coupled to the Midline liveried Class 121 unit 55033. The now long gone Hams Hall C power station is still extant in the background, but would be demolished at the end of 1993 Bob Belcher.

Date: circa July 1992

Set number: 117305

117305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) in Nottingham Midland station circa July 1992. David Page.

Date: April 1993

Set number: 117305

Celebrity dmu 117305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) in GWR colours was transferred to Tyseley in the late 1980s and saw duties over a range of routes. Here it is at Boston on a Skegness to Derby service April 1993. Stephen Burdett.

Date: April 1993

Set number: 117305

117305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Skegness on a Derby working, April 1993. Stephen Burdett.

Date: 6th July 1993

Set number: 117305

Chocolate-and-cream liveried 51410 at the head of unit 117 305 (51368/59520/51410) waiting to leave New St for Wolverhampton on 6/7/93. This is what should have been the 17.56 departure for Aberystwyth : because of the incoming working running late, it was terminated at W'hampton, so passengers on 117 305 will transfer to the return working at Wolverhampton. Leonard Rogers.

Date: 6th August 1994

Set number: 117305

117305 (51410 + 51368) seen at Terras on the Looe branch on 6 August 1994. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: 15th April 1995

Set number: 117305

51410 and 51368 (117305) sitting at the buffer stops at Penzance on 16th April 1995. Robert Chilton.

Date: 15th April 1995

Set number: 117305

117305 (51410/51368) heads away from Penzance towards Long Rock on 15th April 1995. Robert Chilton.

Date: 16th April 1995

Set number: 117305

Corridor connection, exhausts, and lining details can be clearly seen in this shot of 51410 and 51368 at Penzance on 16th April 1995. Robert Chilton.

Date: 30th July 1995

Set number: 117305

117305 (51410/51368) stabled at St Erth on 30 July 1995. David Mant.

Date: 24th August 1995

A two-car Class 117 with DMBS 51368 attached heads away from St Erth station on its journey to St Ives on 24 August 1995. Alan Grange.

Date: 1997

Set number: 709

Class 117s in Exeter St Davids yard in 1997. Closest is presumably set 709 with 51344 closest. GWR liveried DMBS 51368 is at the far end. John Law.

Date: circa July 1997

Set number: 709

Class 117s at Exeter St Davids. Closest is 51344, presumably with 51386. Behind is possibly 51361, with GWR-liveried 51368 at the far end. The slide process date was July 1997. Stuart Mackay Collection.

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