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Vehicle 50355 / 53355

Class 100

Builder: GRC&W
Layout: Low-Density
Length: 57ft
Coupling Code: Blue Square
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: LMS
Engines: AEC 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical
Lot Number: 30278
Diagram: 536

Allocations

Sep-57	New to	6G (Llandudno Junction)
Nov-57	On loan to	8E (Brunswick)
Jan-58	Transferred to	8E (Brunswick)
Apr-58	Depot code change	27F
Jun-58	Transferred to	3C (Ryecroft)
Jun-60	Depot code change	21F
Sep-63	Depot code change	2G
3w/e 31/01/65	Transferred to	2H (Monument Lane)
3w/e 30/04/66	Transferred to	2G (Ryecroft)
3w/e 30/06/66	Transferred to	6A (Chester)
3w/e 30/03/69	Transferred to	9A (Longsight)
May 1973	Depot code change	LO
10/06/84	Transferred to	NH (Newton Heath)
May-85	Stored S.	NH (Newton Heath)
p/e 11/09/85	Reinstated	NH (Newton Heath)
p/e 17/02/87	Stored S.	NH (Newton Heath)
circa July 1987	Reinstated	NH (Newton Heath)
31/03/89	Transferred to	CP PSPX
13/06/89	Withdrawn from	CP PXXZ

Notes

23/11/86 - 53355 + 53812 transferred NH->ScR (one source has AY, another HA) as a replaced for the 'Mexican Bean' (based at ED), then cancelled.
Apr-87 - 53355 + 53812 transfer to CH and Leyland engines fitted published then cancelled.
early January 1988 - Headcode panel glass damaged and both overpainted in yellow

The vehicle carried the following numbers:

50355 - original number
53355 - from Jul-83 (53xxx / 54xxx change)

Modifications

circa Jul-72 - AWS fitted

Disposal

Scrapped by Vic Berry, Leicester

Some sample formations the vehicle has been noted in:

	50355	56110	As delivered to 6G - September 1957
	50355	56110	Transfer to 8E - Nov-57
	50355	56104	Noted 03/05/69 - in Manchester Central (last day)¹
LT298	50355	56110	Listed at 9A - circa Jul-70
	50355	56110	Noted 04/06/71 - at Longsight¹
	50355	56110	Noted 10/09/73 - in Manchester Piccadilly²
	50355	56110	Noted 28/08/75 - on Longsight depot²
	50355	56110	Noted Jun-76 - in Manchester Piccadilly¹
	50355	56151	Noted circa 1981³
	50355	56105	Noted circa 01/1982³
LO296	50355	56105	Noted 19/07/1982 - Manchester Picc³
LO296	50355	56105	Noted circa 10/1982³
	50355	56105	Noted circa 12/1982³
	50355	50812	Noted circa 04/1983³
	53355	53812	Noted 30/10/83
	53355	53812	Noted 26/11/1983 - RCTS Mersey Mariner Railtour 51927-59168-52049 + 53812-53355 + 51939-52054
	53355	53812	Noted 06/01/1984 - on Oldham loop service from Manchester Vic³
	53355	53812	Noted circa 03/1984³
	53355	53812	Noted 24/08/84
	53355	53812	Noted 28/12/1985 - 53812-53355 + 53482-53433 LCGB Moorsider Railtour failed Manchester Victoria
	53355	53812	Listed at Newton Heath - Summer 1986
	53355	53812	Noted 29th August 1987
	53355	53812	Noted circa 10/1987³
	53355	53812	Noted 10th October 1987
	53355	53812	Noted 21st November 1987
	53355	53812	Noted 12th December 1987
	53355	53812	Noted 30th December 1987
	53355	53812	Noted circa 01/1988³
N699	53355	53812	Listed at NH - March 1988
N699	53355	53812	Noted 05/04/1988³
N699	53355	53812	Listed at NH - May 1988
N699	53355	53812	Listed at NH - May-88
N699	53355	53812	Noted circa May-88
N699	53355	53812	Noted circa Jul-88
	53355	53812	Noted 25th October 1988

Formation Sources
1: Leonard Rogers
2: Gerald Brown
3: Eddie Knorn

Images:

August 1975

A Class 100 (50355 + 56110) with possibly a two-car 104 on the rear departs from Manchester Piccadilly on a Rose Hill via Bredbury service in August 1975. Hugh Llewelyn.

18th September 1982

Class 100 2-car Gloucester RC&W DMU 50355 + 56105 in Manchester Piccadilly on 18-9-82. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.

23rd July 1983

Class 100 M53355 + 105 M53812 at Bolton on 23 July 1983. Alistair Ness.

29th August 1983

Class 100 Gloucester RCW DMBS 53355 stabled with partner Class 105 DMC 53812 at Preston 29-8-83. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.

26th May 1984

On Saturday 26th May 1984 we were chasing units round Manchester and came across 53812+53355 for the first time. In this Instamatic shot it is here at Shaw with a terminating service from Manchester Victoria. Ian Hazlehurst.

10th August 1984

Class 100 Gloucester 53355 and Cravens Class 105 53812 were the last two asbestos free types of their respective classes in service, and both were formed into a two-car set for their last period of operation. On August 11th 1984 the unit was departing from Bamber Bridge whilst working a Colne to Preston service. Class 40 40118 was in the adjacent loop awaiting to reverse an engineers train into the nearby DCE sidings at Brownedge. When finally withdrawn in 1988 53355/53812 were destined for the NRM at York, but whilst in storage at Crewe both cars were vandalised beyond repair and were subsequently scrapped by Vic Berry at Leicester. Martyn Hilbert.

12th August 1984

25326 rescues a Gloucester Class 100 / Cravens Class 105 hybrid (presumably 53355 + 53812) at Burnley Central 12th August 1984. Robert Forsythe.

24th August 1984

53355 at Cheetam Hill with 53812, 24/8/84. Jerry Glover.

2nd September 1984

53355 + 53812 at Bolton on 2 September 1984. Stuart Parkinson.

23rd September 1984

On September 23rd 1984 the Newton Heath based Gloucester/Cravens twin set, 53355/53812 was being used on a shuttle service from the Steamport Museum to Southport Station as part of a joint open day. In this view the set has just left Steamport and is heading towards St Lukes before reversing back towards Southport Station. Note that the disused island platform at St Lukes was still in existance, despite the station closing in 1968. This section of line also carried the electrics to Meols Cop, Hesketh Park, Churchtown and Crossens, sadly lost in an act of wanton vandalism and stupidity when the line from Preston to Southport was closed in September 1964. Had the electric service survived it would now be well patronised and could have formed the basis of a park and ride from the A565 near Banks that would have relieved Southport of much traffic. Martyn Hilbert.

circa mid-1980s

Class 100 DMBS 53355, Manchester Victoria, circa mid-1980s. Mike Bunker.

Unknown date

Hybrid 100/105 set 53355 + 53812 in Manchester Victoria station circa mid-1980s. Mike Bunker.

17th December 1985

Standing in Manchester Victoria on 17th December 1985 with a service for Blackburn is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area. It comprised of a 1957 Gloucester built class 100 DMBS (M53355) and 1958 built Cravens class 105 DMCL (M53812), both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were to be the last of their class in service. They were withdrawn towards the end of 1988. Andrew J Crowther.

1986

The final 100/105 hybrid set 53355 / 53812 leaving Preston in 1986. The top marker lamp appears to have a red bulb in it, and a Class 127 parcels set is on the right. Gery Miller.

17th February 1986

The last Class 100 in passenger service M53355, paired with the last class 105 Cravens unit in service, M53812 forming a Blackburnl service at Manchester Victoria on 17 February 1986. This Newton Heath-allocated unit at the time was I believe the last BR DMU to carry a traditional tail lamp, as seen in this view, in place of marker lights. They were at one time earmarked for preservation by the National Railway Museum, probably the reason why they remained in service for so long after the other class members had been withdrawn, but a change of policy at the museum saw them consigned for scrap. They did have a brief spell of fame, achieving celebrity status due to their survival long after other class 100 and 105 units. Gordon Edgar.

17th February 1986

'Hybrid' Class 100 Gloucester DMBS 53355 and Class 105 Cravens DMCL 53812 having arrived from Blackburn at Manchester Victoria on 17th February 1986. They were at one time earmarked for preservation by the National Railway Museum, but a change of policy at the museum saw them consigned for scrap. They did have a brief spell of fame, achieving celebrity status with enthusiasts, but I guess not the general travelling public, due to their survival long after other Class 100 and 105 units. Gordon Edgar.

22nd March 1986

53355 and 53812 are seen in Manchester Victoria on the 22nd March 1986. Paul Moxon.

26th July 1986

Hybrid class 100 (53355) and class 105 (53812) DMU departs from Manchester Victoria station on July 26, 1986. Jonathan Hazan.

21st August 1986

The Class 100/105 hybrid 53355 + 53812 at Manchester Victoria on August 21 1986. Jonathan Hazan.

27th September 1986

53355 Class 100 is seen stabled at Tyseley on 27th September 1986. This was the last Class 100 left in service, and it is coupled to it's long time partner 53812 which was the last Class 105 in service. Both were sadly scrapped. Note the Manchester based Class 504 to the left, visiting the wheel lathe. Andy Cole.

11th October 1986

53355 Class 100 is seen stabled at Tyseley carriage sidings on 11/10/86. It is coupled to Class 104 centre car 59153 and Class 105 DMS 53812. Andy Cole.

10th February 1987

Set number: N699

M53355 + M53812 form the 16:00 Manchester Victoria - Blackburn on 10 February 1987. It was normal practice at this time for three sets would come empty from NH together and be divided in the platform to work the 15:55 Wigan Wallgate, 16:00 Blackburn and probably the 16:10 Southport which would be the Class 104 behind. Harvey Scowcroft / Nigel Valentine Collection.

April 1987

The Gloucester/Cravens twin on Chester MPD, 53355 + 53812 in April 1987, with a row of 108s on the left. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.

28th June 1987

53355 + 53812 rests on Chester depot, Sunday 28th June 1987. AndrewHA.

9th January 1988

Entrusted to working the days Stockport-Stalybridge shuttle services, standing in Stockport's platform 3a is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area, it comprised of a 1957 Gloucester built class 100 DMBS (M53355) and 1958 built Cravens class 105 DMCL (M53812), both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were the last of their class in service, they were withdrawn towards the end of 1988, its nice to see that the destination blind is set correctly, a month later this blind had disappeared. 9th January 1988. Andrew J Crowther.

27th January 1988

The unique Gloucester/Cravens twin set formed of cars M53355 & M53812 was climbing the gradient from Farington Curve Junction and heading towards the site of the former Moss Lane Junction with the 13.09 Preston to Ormskirk service on January 27th 1988. The disused former Up Line towards Ormskirk was still in-situ having being taken out of use in 1983. Martyn Hilbert.

20th February 1988

Standing in Manchester Piccadilly's platform 3 on the 20th February 1988 is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area. It comprised of 1957 Gloucester built Class 100 DMBS (M53355) and 1958 built Cravens Class 105 DMCL (M53812). Both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were the last of their class in service, they were withdrawn towards the end of 1988. Andrew J Crowther.

27th March 1988

Set number: N699

Hybrid class 100/105 M53355 + M53812 on Newton Heath Depot on 27 March 1988. terry eyres.

18th June 1988

Set number: N699

53355 and 53812 labelled N699, are seen at Stalybridge on the 11:xx shuttle to Stockport, 18th June 1988. Gazza Prescott.

23rd July 1988

Set number: N699

The cab of 53355 seen at Carnforth on 23/7/88. On the left is 54085. The train is the 09.52 Preston - Barrow. Leonard Rogers.

20th July 1989

Set number: N699

Class 100 Gloucester DMBS 53355 + Class 105 Cravens DMCL 53812 twin stored in Crewe carriage shed sidings 22-7-89ish. The set was stored at this time pending preservation by the NRM but was vandalised and not thought worth saving. A fraction of Class 104 DMCL 53500 is seen on the left, this car stored 31/3/89 and withdrawn 17/5/89. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.

18th July 1990

Gloucester Class 100 DMBS M53355 and Cravens Class 105 DTS M53812 await their final journey to the scrap yard in the sidings south of Crewe Carriage shed. The date of the photo is either 18th or 19th July 1990. Paul James.

18th July 1990

Set number: N699

Carrying the set number N699 on its cab end, Gloucester Class 100 DMBS M53355 along with Cravens Class 105 M53812 await their final journey to the scrap yard in the sidings south of Crewe Carriage shed. The date of the photo is either 18th or 19th July 1990. Paul James.

30th August 1990

M53355 + M53812 with the Class 31 that has just brought them into Derby on 30 August 1990. There were also two Class 104 DMSs in the formation, M53500 (partly seen, note how its jumpers are connected to the Class 100) and M53518. The description with the negative notes they came from Newton Heath, the vehicles had been stored at Crewe Carriage Shed Sidings. They would all end up at Vic Berry's. Stuart Mackay Collection.

24th October 1990

Set number: N699

53355 seen at Vic Berrys yard at Leicester on 24/10/90 with 53812. The 104s behind are likely 53500 and 53518. Ian Francis.

24th October 1990

Set number: N699

53355 at Vic Berrys, Leicester, 24/10/90. Ian Francis.

11th November 1990

Set number: N699

M53355 Vic Berrys, Leicester 11-11-90. Kevin Dowd.

11th November 1990

Set number: N699

M53355 Vic Berrys, Leicester 11-11-90. Kevin Dowd.

11th November 1990

Set number: N699

M53355 Vic Berrys, Leicester. Unsuccessful attempts were made to save N699. 11-11-90. Kevin Dowd.

The vehicle is mentioned in the following images:

Date: March 1958

Two GRC&W twins at Garston, Liverpool, in March 1958, possibly on a service from Warrington. M50352 and M50355 are recorded as being the power cars, they were allocated to Brunswick depot from January to June 1958 and are presumably running with their regular trailer cars M56107 and M56110. Note all the coaches on the left. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: 26th November 1983

Taken onboard the RCTS 'Mersey Mariner' railtour on 26 November 1983 at Cavendish Sidings in Birkenhead, Mersey Docks & Harbour Board line, looking east. The vehicle numbers listed on the Six Bells Junction website show that this was taken from 51939 looking towards 53355 + 53812 / 52049 + 59168 + 51927. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: 25th August 1984

The Newton Heath allocated Gloucester/Cravens Class 100/105 twin set, formed of cars 53355 & 53812 and the last operational cars of their respective types that were asbestos free, were tagged onto the rear of a Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North service seen calling at Leyland on August 25th 1984. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 23rd September 1984

The Cravens/Gloucester Class 105/100 hybrid DMU formed of cars M53812 & M53355 was emerging from the Steamport running line and onto the BR connection at Windsor Road Southport on September 23rd 1984. The unit was running a shuttle service to and from Southport Station during a joint BR/Steamport open day. The Gloucester/Cravens twin set were the last two servicable non-asbestos types of their respective classes paired together at Newton Heath Depot. The Sheffield built Cravens machines had a long association with the various lines around Lancashire, and this was the end of an era. After withdrawal the unit was to become part of the National Collection at York, but whilst in store at Crewe South the DMU was vandalised beyond repair, and was subsequently scrapped. The land visible behind the DMU once formed part of the Southport Goods Yard complex and was also the original route of the West Lancashire Railway from Preston to its small terminus at Kensington Road. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 23rd September 1984

Cravens Class 105 53812 stands in the sunshine at Windsor Road Southport on September 23rd 1984. Coupled to Gloucester Class 100 M53355, the unit was awaiting permission to enter the Steamport Museum running line as part of a shuttle service from Southport Station during a joint BR/Steamport open day. The land visible behind the DMU once formed part of the Southport Goods Yard complex and was also the original route of the West Lancashire Railway from Preston to its small terminus at Kensington Road. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 1986

The final 105/100 hybrid set 53812 / 53355 leaving Preston in 1986. Gary Miller.

Date: 17th February 1986

The 'business end' on this occasion of the class 105/100 Cravens/Gloucester hybrid DMU (M53812-M53355) at Manchester Victoria during the evening of 17 February 1986, with the driver having a 'power nap' before his departure for Blackburn. Gordon Edgar.

Date: 27th February 1986

A Blackburn to Manchester Victoria train formed of an Class 105 DTSL M53812 and Class 100 DMBS M53355 with an unidentified class 108 about to reach its destination on 27 February 1986. Although I took a large number of pictures here in the 1980s I don't recall seeing another class 105 here. Peter Tandy.

Date: 22nd March 1986

Class 105 53812 with Class 100 53355 in Manchester Victoria on 22/3/86. Paul Moxon.

Date: 23rd March 1986

A gathering of First Generation DMU's at Croft Street Sidings at Preston on March 23rd 1986. Surrounded by Class 104's (left), 108s (behind) and Class 127's (right), the Cravens/Gloucester Class 105/100 hybrid two-car set formed of cars M53812 & M53355 had been working Preston to Ormskirk services the previous day. The odd couple had been formed when the pair of cars were the last operational examples of their respective types that were asbestos free. When finally withdrawn from service in 1989, the unit was stored at Crewe South pending a move to the NRM, but was damaged beyond economic repair in a vandalism attack. The unit was subsequently scrapped by Berry's of Leicester. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 5th April 1986

On an overcast April 5th 1986 the Cravens/Gloucester twin formed of cars M53812 & M53355 accelerates away from Midge Hall whilst working the 16.07 Ormskirk to Preston. The odd pairing was due to these two cars being the last serviceable asbestos-free examples of their respective classes. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 6th April 1986

A brief burst of sunlight on an otherwise dull day illuminates the Cravens/Gloucester Twin, as it departs from Croston with the well-patronised 11.10 Ormskirk to Preston service on April 6th 1986. Each of the cars (53812 & 53355) were the last of their respective classes at Newton Heath Depot, and had been paired together for their last stint of service. The unit was earmarked for the National Collection at the NRM, but following withdrawal the DMU was vandalised beyond repair at Crewe South and was sadly scrapped. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 26th July 1986

DMUs in Manchester Victoria on July 26 1986. The Cravens 53812 has a red buffer beam, is paired with Class 100 53355, and is working with a Class 104. A Class 108 is hiding behind the red shelter in the left. Jonathan Hazan.

Date: 28th July 1986

A 4-car DMU formation in Preston on the 28th July 1986 with the Class 105/100 hybrid 53812 + 53355 nearest. Dennis Taylor.

Date: 27th September 1986

Class 105 53812 is seen stabled at Tyseley on 27.09.1986 coupled with it's long time partner 53355. 53812 was the last Class 105 in service and 53355 was the last Class 100 in service. Andy Cole.

Date: unknown

Class 105/100 hybrid DMU set 53812 + 53355 departs from Manchester Victoria, date unknown. Mike Bunker.

Date: April 1987

DMUs at Chester MPD in April 1987. Left to right are Met-Camm 53317, Class 105-100 DMU twin 53812 + 53355, brand new 150-241 (with no yellow end yet) and a Class 108. On Tour With The Class 13 Army.

Date: 28th May 1987

A two-car Class 108 DMU is seen on Chester depot (17XX) Thursday 28th May 1987. In the distance is 100/105 hybrid M53355 + M53812. Colin Brooks.

Date: 28th June 1987

53812 + 53355 on Chester depot on Sunday 28th June 1987. AndrewHA.

Date: 9th January 1988

Something i have learnt today about these Cravens units is that they have the identical side profile, the same windows and doors to MK1 coaching stock! Entrusted to working the days Stockport-Stalybridge shuttle services, standing in Stockport's platform 3a is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area, it comprised of a 1958 built Cravens class 105 DMCL (M53812) and a 1957 Gloucester built class 100 DMBS (M53355), both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were the last of their class in service, they were withdrawn towards the end of 1988. 9th January 1988. Andrew J Crowther.

Date: 18th June 1988

Set number: N699

N699 (53812 + 53355) at Stalybridge with a train for Stockport on the 18th June 1988. Gazza Prescott.

Date: 24th June 1988

Set number: N699

Class 105 DTSL 53812 and Class 100 DMBS 53355 (set N699) in Wigan Wallgate station on 24 June 1988. Stuart Parkinson.

Date: 23rd July 1988

Set number: N699

The 09.52 Preston - Barrow leaves Carnforth on 23/7/88. Leading unit is 51420/54085 and trailing is the by-then unique cl.100/105 hybrid composed of 53355 and 53812. Leonard Rogers.

Date: unknown

Set number: N699

Set N699, formed of Class 105 53812 and Class 100 53355 is seen at Blackburn. Tom Clift.

Date: January 1989

Set number: N699

N699 53812 with Class 100 DMBS 53355 Carnforth January 1989 Steve Robinson.

Date: 18th July 1990

Set number: N699

Carrying the set number N699 on its cab end, Cravens Class 105 DMU, DMS M53812 awaits its final journey to the scrap yard in the sidings south of Crewe Carriage shed. The date of the photo is either 18th or 19th July 1990. Behind is its partner of recent years, Class 100 M53355, and a couple of Class 104 vehicles, likely DMSLs M53500 and M53518. Paul James.

Date: 30th August 1990

08889 backs onto withdrawn DMUs (53518, 53500, 53355 + 53812) and the 31 that had brought them to Derby on 30 August 1990. The description with the negative notes they came from Newton Heath, the vehicles had been stored at Crewe Carriage Shed Sidings. They would all end up at Vic Berry's. Stuart Mackay Collection.

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