Sign In

Vehicle 55020 / 977722 / 55020

Class 121

Builder: Pressed Steel
Layout: High Density
Length: 64ft
Coupling Code: Blue Square
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: None
Engines: AEC 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical
Lot Number: 30518
Diagram: 512

Allocations

Sep-60	New to	81C (Southall)
Jul-64	Transferred to	81D (Reading)
May 1973	Depot code change	RG
09/06/85	Transferred to	BR (Bristol Bath Road)
May-86	Transferred to	RG (Reading)
Jun-87	Transferred to	OO (Old Oak Common)
14/01/92	To departmental stock	OO (Old Oak Common)
Sep-02	Reinstated	AL	- to passenger stock
May-17	Withdrawn from	AL

Notes

16th October 2004 - Seen in Chiltern Railways blue livery

The vehicle carried the following numbers:

55020 - original number
977722 - from Jan-92 (departmental stock)
55020 - from Sep-02 (returned to passenger use)

Department Use as ADB977722

Sandite / Route Learner. Returned to passenger use. From 1/92 to 8/99. Carried set number 960002

Modifications

circa Nov-72 - Dual AWS fitted
Jun-75 - WR AWS removed
p/e 08/10/77 - Leyland engines fitted

Refurbished

At Swindon Works dated 29/07/1980 released in blue/grey livery

Disposal

Preserved - more details.

Some sample formations the vehicle has been noted in:

	55020	59543	55028	Noted 29/10/71¹
	55020	59476	51324	Noted 28/08/73 - in Paddington¹
L454	55020	59493	51383	Noted 30/08/74 - in Paddington, 55020 set number L120²
L120	55020			Listed at RG - 01/05/1976
L120	55020			Noted 05/1977 - Oxford Didcot Reading area³
L120	55020			Listed at RG - 31st December 1977
L120	55020			Noted 30/07/1978 - RPPR The Merry-Go-Round Railtour L402+55020+L404
L120	55020			Noted 28/08/1979 - At Hayes and Harlington³
L120	55020			Noted 16/02/1980 - At Reading P8 at 0505³
L120	55020			Listed at RG - 03/03/80
L120	55020			Noted circa 04/1982⁴
L120	55020			Listed at RG - 15/12/1982
	55020	56284		Noted 21/04/1983 - 1741 Windsor and Eton Central to Slough
L120	55020			Noted 05/11/1983 - Hertfordshire Railtours The Glamorgan Freighter B439+L406+55020
L120	55020			Listed at RG - 01/01/85
120	55020			Noted 01/06/85
120	55020			Transfer to BR - 09/06/85 - from RG
L120	55020			Noted 15/09/1985 - Paddington to Old Oak Common open day shuttle B430+55020
120	55020			Noted 05/04/1986⁴
L120	55020			Listed at Reading - Summer 1986
L120	55020			Noted 21/06/1986 - at Taplow⁵
L120	55020			Noted 21/06/1986 - at Reading⁵
	55020	59415	51084	Noted 24/02/1987 - at Paddington⁵
L120	55020			Noted 11/04/1987 - at Old Oak Common⁵
	51366	59518	55020	Noted circa 07/1987⁴
L120	55020			Listed at OO - Aug-87
L120	55020			Listed at OO - 15/05/89
L120	55020			Noted circa 11/1989⁴
L120	55020			Noted circa 12/1990⁴
L120	55020			Listed at OO - 21/01/91
121020	55020			Noted 16th October 2004
	55020			Noted 13/06/13 - on 2A85 10:00 Princes Risborough - Aylesbury⁶
	55020			Noted 03/07/13 - on 2A85 10:00 Princes Risborough - Aylesbury⁶

Formation Sources
1: Leonard Rogers
2: Gerald Brown
3: Shayne Lewis
4: Eddie Knorn
5: Robert Chilton
6: David Bellamy

Images:

16th April 1965

On April 16, 1965, W55020 heads the 5.55pm Reading - Oxford service with DTS W56285 in tow, seen at South Moreton, Didcot. Michael Mensing.

21st June 1969

Set number: 120

Class 121 55020 seen at Marlow on June 21st, 1969 waiting to depart with the 17:08 to Bourne End. Steve Davies Collection.

21st June 1969

Set number: 120

Class 121 55020 caught at the Bourne End / Marlow platform at Maidenhead on June 21st 1969, waiting to depart with the 16:40 service. Steve Davies Collection.

21st June 1969

Set number: 120

55020 passes 55024 (set 124) at Bourne End on the Marlow branch, June 21st 1969. 55024 on the left is on the 14:57 shuttle to High Wycombe, 55020 has arrived from Maidenhead, after reversing it will continue to Marlow. Steve Davies Collection.

21st September 1974

Set number: L120

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMU W55020 in Oxford station on 21 September 1974. Stuart Mackay Collection.

April 1976

Set number: L120

Class 121 W55020 with a trailer car in Marlow station in April 1976. Stuart Mackay Collection.

23rd July 1976

Set number: L120

50 032 and W55020 at Ealing Broadway, 23 July 1976. Nigel Menzies.

23rd July 1976

Set number: L120

W55020 arrives into Ealing Broadway on 23 July 1976 carrying Greenford on the destination blind. Nigel Menzies.

4th June 1977

Set number: L120

A Class 121 DMU formed of W55020 + W56287 in Maidenhead station with a service for Marlow on 4 June 1977. Stuart Mackay Collection.

30th July 1977

Set number: L120

55020 calls at South Greenford on 30th July 1977. I was born next to this "station" in the adjacent maternity hospital in 1958 - I have been told W55008 was working the Greenford Loop "push & pull" on this day. Ian Buck.

30th July 1977

Set number: L120

On 30th July 1977 55020 leaves the GW main line at West Ealing. Ian Buck.

16th October 1978

Set number: L120

On 16th October 1978 55020 calls at Castlebar Park Halt on the Greenford loop. Ian Buck.

17th February 1979

Set number: L120

The Maidenhead-Marlow shuttle was formed of Pressed Steel "bubble car" W55020 at Marlow on 17 February 1979. Jeremy Chapter.

17th February 1979

Set number: L120

The "Marlow Donkey" service to Maidenhead has recently arrived at the Buckinghamshire terminus, amid signs of recent snow. This was 17 February 1979. The railcar was built by Pressed Steel in 1960 for the London Area of the Western Region. After a ten-year period in departmental service this vehicle was put back into passenger service by Chiltern Railways in 2002. It was used on Aylesbury to Princes Risborough services until 2017. Jeremy Chapter.

17th February 1979

Set number: L120

Class 121 diesel railcar W55020 is seen at Bourne End on 17 February 1979 working the Maidenhead to Marlow service. Before May 1970, the line used to continue beyond the station to High Wycombe, but now the station is used for reversal of trains bound for Marlow with only a short length of platform available to clear the junction pointwork, so there is little chance of electrifying the line with existing rolling stock. Jeremy Chapter.

16th October 1979

Set number: L120

Calling at Drayton Green on 16th October 1979 55020 is heading towards Ealing Broadway. Ian Buck.

2nd January 1980

Set number: L120

W55020 at Iver heading for Slough on 2/1/80. Steve Davies Collection.

2nd January 1980

Set number: L120

55020 passes by at West Drayton on the 2nd January 1980. Steve Davies Collection.

May 1980

Set number: L120

I have forgotten the day but in May 1980 55020 was working a shuttle service on the GWR Brentford branch. Ian Buck.

May 1980

Set number: L120

On the GWR Brentford branch in May 1980 55020 is seen at "Three Bridges" where road crosses canal crosses rail. Ian Buck.

May 1980

Set number: L120

Further down the Brentford Branch in May 1980 55020 passes Trumpers Crossing, site of a former halt. Ian Buck.

Unknown date

Set number: L120

Class 121 W55020 at Ranelagh Bridge with Greenford on the destination blind. Date unknown, sometime between 1980 and 1985. A Class 117 can be seen in the distance. Stuart Mackay Collection.

1983

Set number: L120

W55020 with an Ealing Broadway service at Paddington in 1983. John Law.

19th February 1983

Set number: L120

Class 121 single car W55020 (L120) hauling class 121 DTS W56289 (L289) draw to a halt at the single remaining in use platform at Windsor & Eton Central on the shuttle service from Slough, Saturday 19th February 1983 Iain Reid.

5th November 1983

Set number: L120

The headboard for the Glamorgan Freighter railtour gets added to 55020 at Abernant Colliery, 5th November 1983. Chris Lings.

5th November 1983

Set number: L120

55020 at the end of a long formation on the Glamorgan Freighter railtour, 5/11/83. Seen at Swansea East Depot. Chris Lings.

5th November 1983

Set number: L120

The seven car Glamorgan Freighter railtour seen at Onllwyn, 5/11/83. Chris Lings.

5th November 1983

Set number: L120

55020 at the front of the Glamorgan Freighter railtour seen at Onllwyn, 5/11/83. Chris Lings.

December 1983

Set number: L120

55020 and trailer in the sparse terminus at Marlow, December 1983. The guard is asking "Are you getting on ?". Tony Watson.

December 1983

Set number: L120

The Marlow branch train at Maidenhead in December 1983 formed of 55020 and a trailer. Tony Watson.

1st June 1985

55020 on display at Reading open day (1st June 1985) in ex-works condition. Andrew McConnell.

1st June 1985

Set number: 120

Freshly painted Class 122 Set 120 55020 is seen at Reading T.M.D Open Day at 12:00 on Saturday 1st June 1985. Colin Brooks.

1st June 1985

Set number: 120

55020 at Reading open day on 01/06/85. Roddy MacPhee.

1st June 1985

Set number: 120

Class 121 55020 at Reading Open Day on 1 June 1985. Mike Bunker.

1st June 1985

Set number: 120

Class 121 W55020 at Reading Open Day on 1 June 1985. Keith Miller.

6th July 1985

The chocolate and cream liveried class 121 DMU no. 55020 at Ealing Broadway on 6th July 1985. Jonathan Hazan.

6th July 1985

Set number: 120

The chocolate and cream liveried class 121, no 55020, at Ealing Broadway on 6th July 1985. Jonathan Hazan.

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.

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.

15th September 1985

Class 121 W55020 in Paddington station with an Old Oak Common open day shuttle on September 15 1995. It is working with the similar liveried Class 117. Andrew Malloy.

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.

15th September 1985

Set number: 120

Class 121 W55020 at Old Oak Common on September 15 1985 with an open day shuttle that ran to Paddington. Andrew Malloy.

19th September 1985

Set number: 120

Class 121 55020 working as part of a Class 117 set seen arriving at Reading on 19 September 1985. Andrew Malloy.

19th September 1985

Set number: 120

Class 121 55020 working as part of a Class 117 set seen arriving at Reading on 19 September 1985 while 47 537 sits in the centre road. Andrew Malloy.

14th December 1985

Set number: 120

Class 121 'bubble car' W55020 in Twyford station on 14 December 1985 while on Henley-on-Thames duties. Stuart Mackay Collection.

18th March 1986

Set number: 120

Class 121 Pressed Steel dmu 55020 on the rear of a Class 117 departing London Paddington, Tuesday 18 March 1986. Ian 10B.

Easter 1986

Set number: 120

55020 in it's chocolate & cream livery is seen in Easter 1986 when it was hired by the GWR Preservation Group for shuttles along the freight only Brentford line. Chris Adams.

30th March 1986

Set number: 120

55020 at Southall on 30/3/86. Over the Easter of 1986 the Great Western Society ran a series of specials over the normally freight only Brentford branch using Great Western liveried bubble car 55020. Sparegang.

30th March 1986

Set number: 120

55020 passing under Windmill Lane bridge with the 16.00 Southall to Brentford service on 30 March 1986. Rob Paterson.

30th March 1986

Set number: 120

55020 arriving at Southall from Brentford on 30 March 1986. Rob Paterson.

3rd June 1986

Set number: 120

GWR liveried 55020 sits beside two Class 128 parcel vehicles at Paddington, 3/6/86. Hamish Stevenson.

23rd August 1986

Set number: 120

Class 121 unit No. W55020 approaches West Ealing working a Greenford to Ealing Broadway service. Brian Creasey.

19th January 1987

Set number: 120

Class 121 Single Unit 55020 approaches Oxford station platforms on a dull snowy day, 19th January 1987. The Unit had been painted in a Brown and Cream livery a few years earlier as part of the Great Western Railway 150th Birthday Celebrations. AndrewHA.

19th January 1987

Set number: 120

55020 is coupled up to a waiting Class 121 Driving Trailer coach to form a two-car set for peak-hour duties. Oxford Station, 19th January 1987. AndrewHA.

30th April 1987

Set number: 120

55020 seen at Reading, 30/4/87. Hamish Stevenson.

3rd October 1987

Set number: L120

55020 at Doncaster Works Open Day on 3/10/87, freshly repainted from GWR chocolate and cream into NSE colours. Stuart Mackay Collection.

3rd October 1987

Set number: L120

Having just lost its GWR livery, 55020 is seen in Doncaster Works during the open day on Saturday 3rd October 1987. AndrewHA.

November 1987

Set number: L120

A pair of single unit Bubble Cars on the Bedwyn shuttles seen at Reading in November 1987. Network South East liveried 55020 is at the western end and blue / grey 55023 at the eastern end. Murray Liston.

circa November 1988

Set number: L120

Class 121 55020 working with a Class 117 DMU and Paddington on the destination blind seen at Ruscombe, near Twyford. The slide process date is November 1988. Stuart Mackay Collection.

circa 1989

Set number: L120

Pressed Steel bubble car 55020 in Paddington circa 1989. Stuart Mackay Collection.

29th November 1989

Set number: L120

I believe that the Greenford branch was the last in the London area to use single car DMUs on a diagrammed basis. This picture shows 55020 (L120) taking the switch from the down relief line line to the branch at West Ealing on 29 November 1989. The diminutive vehicle looks a bit dwarfed by the large 1960s office block complete with huge communications dish. Peter Tandy.

19th February 1990

Set number: L120

Class 121 bubble car 55020 departs from Paddington with a Greeford service on 19 February 1990. Stuart Mackay Collection.

Unknown date

Set number: 20

977722 (ex-55020) at Reading. Date unknown, circa mid-1990s. Brian Daniels.

Unknown date

Set number: 20

977722 (ex-55020) at Reading. Date unknown, circa mid-1990s. Brian Daniels.

Unknown date

Set number: 20

977722 (ex-55020) at Reading. Date unknown, circa mid-1990s. Brian Daniels.

1st May 1998

Set number: 960002

The former 55020, now 977722, is seen berthed at Reading Depot on the 1st May 1998. Ian Buck.

Unknown date

977722 and 977858 at Aylesbury depot. Date unknown. Robert Frise Collection.

29th October 1999

Set number: 960002

Now in departmental service the former 55020, now 960002 is seen berthed at Aylesbury depot on the 29th October 1999. Ian Buck.

29th July 2000

Set number: 960002

977722 at Aylesbury in the days before it was refurbished and turned to use as 55020. 29th July 2000. Roger Marks.

6th August 2000

Set number: 960002

977722 (55020) is seen at Aylesbury depot during its time as a sandite vehicle on August 6, 2000. Andy Cole.

24th February 2001

Set number: 960002

There were several single unit DMUs around Aylesbury in 2001 and here at the stops of the stabling roads on 24 February 1991 is 960002, formerly 55020. It was in use for some time as a Sandite and route learning vehicle and was in the Departmental Pool. Behind is probably Class 117 51411, another 117 can just be seen on the extreme left, presumably 51369, behind is 977723 and 977858. Peter Tandy.

Unknown date

Set number: 960002

977722 in the sidings at Aylesbury depot. Undated. Robert Frise Collection.

Unknown date

Set number: 960002

977722, 977858 and Class 117 power car 51411 at Aylesbury. Undated. Robert Frise Collection.

5th February 2003

After a spell in departmental use as a sandite / route learner vehicle, Pressed Steel bubble car 977722 was returned to passenger use for Chiltern Railways. The overhaul was done by LH Plant at Barton Under Needwood, as their job number GS79061. Taken on 5 February 2003. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. This is the main passenger saloon with the guards van behind me. There had been a generator compartment in this saloon, now stripped out along with all the wall and ceiling panelling. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. This is the bulkhead from the passenger saloon looking through to the guards van. Some of the partition has been replaced, other parts still show the original wood grain effect formica. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. This is the guards van, looking from the doorway at the passenger saloon through to the cab. At the ceiling level on either side can be seen the exhaust pipes that had been re-routed to give a cleaner front on the number two end. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. The vehicle had a whole host of gadgets fitted to make it comply with modern standards. The whitish box is for TPWS. The vertical greenish thing to the left is part of the AWS, it would normally have an interchangeable box fitted to this bracket. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. This is the bulkhead between the guards van and the passenger saloon through the doorway to the right. It holds a mixture of original and new equipment. From left to right can be seen a microphone for the PA, the red switch will be for the light in the ceiling, the silver panels has an on and off button for the passenger saloon lights, and a 'budget' key switch in the model which would turn all the lights on or off on a train if the vehicle was coupled to others. Underneath the new white box is a TPWS buzzer, the new open boxes are probably for the new door locks (magnets) and above is the fire bell. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. A closer look at some of the new electronics on the bulkhead between the guards van and passenger saloon. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. This is one side of the re-routed exahust pipe on the guards van. The cylinder of the cab bulkead to the left was a timing reservoir for the BR AWS. Stuart Mackay.

5th February 2003

Conversion work on 55020 at LH Plant on 5 February 2003. This is the guards van, the cylinder on the upper left is a modern fire extinguisher connected to automatically disperse over the engine in the event of it overheating. There was one bottle for each engine, there will second one added to the pipe nearer the centre. Theses replaced the original type which were not ozone friendly. Stuart Mackay.

2nd April 2003

Set number: 121020

55020 at Princes Risborough on delivery run, 2nd April 2003, attached to 977858. Roger Marks.

21st April 2003

Set number: 121020

55020 outside Aylesbury depot, with a shed extension being built behind. 21/4/03. Colin Cooke.

5th June 2003

Set number: 121020

121 020 (55020) arriving at Princes Risborough station on 5.6.03. George Woods.

5th June 2003

Set number: 121020

121 020 (55020) in Princes Risborough station on 5.6.03. George Woods.

13th June 2003

Set number: 121020

Recently restored to passenger service, class 121 single car 55020/121020 works a morning Aylesbury to Princes Risborough service past Marsh Crossing (just south of Aylesbury), Friday 13th June 2003 Iain Reid.

13th June 2003

Set number: 121020

Recently restored to passenger service, class 121 single car 55020/121020 works a morning Aylesbury to Princes Risborough service past Marsh Crossing (south of Aylesbury) heading away towards Little Kimble, Friday 13th June 2003 Iain Reid.

13th June 2003

Set number: 121020

Class 121 55020/121020 approaches Little Kimble on a morning Princes Risborough to Aylesbury service, Friday 13th June 2003 Iain Reid.

13th June 2003

Set number: 121020

Class 121 55020/121020 passes Monks Risborough as it nears Princes Risborough on a morning service from Aylesbury, Friday 13th June 2003. Note the red tail lamps have erroneously been left on following its turn round at Aylesbury Iain Reid.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Details - 55020. Modern equipment fitted to the cab of 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

The air / axle panel fitted to the left of the driver in the cab of 55020. Seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Drivers controls of 55020 - seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Lower - the destination indicator, the wooden flap in the upper half was at one time to check what the four-character blinds were displaying. Inside the cab of 55020 seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Details - non-drivers side of the cab, 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Equipment old and new fitted to the guard's van in 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Van doors / control in 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. The blue light shows the doors are locked, there is a light switch and a buzzer button. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

The guard's van of 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. The boxed section with the warning labels contains the exhaust, re-routed from the vehicle end. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

The interior of 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003, looking from the van end. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

The inside of a passenger door of 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Other than the labeling, little has changed in its modernisation for Chiltern. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

Information display inside the saloon of 55020, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. The vehicle had been refurbished by LH Group Services, hence the sticker below. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

The interior of 55020, looking towards the van, seen inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

7th July 2003

Set number: 121020

55020 inside Aylesbury depot on July 7, 2003. Stuart Mackay.

17th May 2004

Set number: 121020

55020 At Aylesbury platform 1, 17th May 2004. Roger Marks.

30th August 2004

Set number: 121020

55020 working "The Quaintonian" on the 30th August 2004, at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.

30th August 2004

Set number: 121020

55020 working "The Quaintonian" on the 30th August 2004, at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.

15th October 2004

Set number: 121020

Class 121 55020 with a Class 122 (006) at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway during the Railcar50 event, 15/10/04. Ian Francis.

16th October 2004

Set number: 121020

55020 at Bewdley while operating Bewdley - Kidderminster shuttles during the Railcar50 event, 16/10/04. Mel Holley.

2005

Set number: 121020

55020 stabled in Aylesbury depot in 2005. John Law.

December 2006

Set number: 121020

55020 at Aylesbury, December 2006. Fred Clark.

3rd March 2007

Set number: 121020

55020 on Aylesbury depot, 3rd March 2007. John Grey Turner.

9th June 2008

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 railcar No. 121020 stands at Princes Risborough working the shuttle service to Aylesbury on 9 June 2008. Brian Creasey.

9th June 2008

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 railcar No. 121020 arrives at Princes Risborough working the shuttle service from Aylesbury on 9 June 2008. Brian Creasey.

9th June 2008

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 railcar No. 121020 arrives at Princes Risborough working the shuttle service from Aylesbury on 9 June 2008. Brian Creasey.

19th June 2008

Set number: 121020

55020 arrives at Aylesbury platform 3 from Princes Risborough, 19/6/08. Niall Gray.

18th April 2009

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 railcar No. 121020 stands outside Aylesbury depot on 18 April 2009. Brian Creasey.

27th July 2009

Set number: 121020

55020 at Aylesbury on July 27, 2009. Nigel Walls.

27th July 2009

Set number: 121020

55020 at Princes Risborough on July 27, 2009. Nigel Walls.

7th October 2010

Set number: 121020

I have always had a soft spot for the single unit "bubble" cars that used to work branch lines; indeed my first ever train ride was in one of these when they worked the Stratford-upon-Avon to Leamington Spa shuttles. One of the remaining class 121 units in still in regular service for Chiltern Railways and 121020 was booked to run from Aylesbury to Kidderminster (SVR) on Thursday 7 October 2010 where it is due to perform at a gala over the coming weekend. I think that the blue colour scheme carried by this unit is most attractive so went to a bubble-sized spot on Hatton Bank where I knew that the sun would be in just the right direction at a little over 14.00. Just after I arrived, 66154 ran into the Down Goods Loop with 6M48, the 10.02 Southampton to Bescot loaded train of Ford cars. I took this to mean that 55020 was close behind and indeed, it appeared no more than two minutes later. Peter Tandy.

8th October 2010

Class 121 55020 at Arley on the Severn Valley line 8th October 2010. Ian Buck.

8th October 2010

Class 121 at Arley on the Severn Valley line 8th October 2010. Ian Buck.

8th October 2010

Class 121 55020 at Arley on the Severn Valley line on 8th October 2010. Ian Buck.

8th October 2010

Class 121 55020 at Bewdley on the Severn Valley line on 8th October 2010. Ian Buck.

8th October 2010

Class 121 55020 at Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway on 8th October 2010. Ian Buck.

9th October 2010

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways 121020 at the Severn Valley Railway DMU gala, 9 October 2010. Ian Docwra.

Unknown date

Set number: 121020

55020 on Quaintonian shuttle duties at Quainton Road, circa 2011. Graham Baker.

7th May 2012

Set number: 121020

Class 121 55020 stabled on Aylesbury depot on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

6th February 2013

Set number: 121020

Class 121 55020, set number 121020, is seen in Chiltern Railways livery departing Tyseley Carriage Siding on route learning duties, 06.02.2013. Andy Cole.

20th February 2013

Set number: 121020

55020 at Crewe on 22 February 2013, believed to be there for route learning. John Grey Turner.

22nd September 2013

Set number: 121020

Class 121 bubble 55020 at Aylesbury depot on 22 September 2013. Curly42.

10th June 2015

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways bubble car 55020 stabled on Aylesbury Depot on 10 June 2015. Tony Watson.

28th April 2016

Set number: 121020

I was at Hatton North Junction waiting for a northbound freight on 28 April 2016 when a fellow photographer told me that Chiltern single unit 121020 was coming south within the next few minutes working from Tyseley to Aylesbury. After a swift move from the field to the footbridge the newly repainted bubble car appeared under the Shrewley Road bridge and stopped at the up line signal to allow a Chiltern Railways train from Stratford-upon-Avon to leave Hatton station for Leamington Spa. A longer lens might have been a better bet for this shot given that there is no scope here for a more broadside view but I had only the one piece of glassware with me on this occasion. Peter Tandy.

15th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Class 121 no 121020 (55020) and diesel shunter “Lesley” on Aylesbury depot on 15 May 2017, during the last week of Class 121 operation. 55020 was being used by Chiltern Railways as a spare unit to deputise for 121034 (55034). "Lesley" is a 0-6-0DH built by Ruston and Hornsby in 1963 - works number 468043. It is allocated the TOPS number 01509. Lewis Bevan.

19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern railways Class 121 'Bubble Cars' 55020 and 55034 are seen leaving Monks Risborough at Westmead Crossing with the 2P65 1726 Aylesbury - Princes Risborough on the their final day in service on 19 May 2017. Chris Morrison.

19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars 55020 and W55034 shunt in Aylesbury Depot on 29 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars 55020 and W55034 approach Aylesbury working an empty stock movement from Aylesbury Depot on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars 55020 and W55034 stand at Aylesbury working the 2Z91 11:40 extra service to Princes Risborough on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

The vehicle is mentioned in the following images:

Date: 16th April 1965

W56285 and W55020 are working the 4.25pm Oxford - Reading (G) when seen at Goring triangle (troughs) on the 16th April 1965. Michael Mensing.

Date: 30th July 1978

Set number: L404

On a railtour around London area branchlines (RPPR The Merry-Go-Round Railtour) 51337 on the front of class 117 set L404 (with 59489 + 51379) has arrived at Staines West on 30th July 1978. The blue vehicle is bubble 55020. Ian Buck.

Date: 30th July 1978

Set number: L402

At Wallingford on 30th July 1978 L402 (51377 + 59487 + 51335) and 55020 and L404 traversed the line that has now become the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway. Ian Buck.

Date: 30th July 1978

Set number: L402

L402 (51377 + 59487 + 51335) and 55020 and L404 (51379 + 59489 + 51337) have now made it to Abingdon on the RPPR Merry-go-Round railtour on 30th July 1978. Ian Buck.

Date: 30th July 1978

Set number: L402

The freight branch to the Milton Inland Port / Didcot Trading Centre was opened with high hopes but eventually came to nothing. L402 (51377 + 59487 + 51335), 55020 and L404 (51379 + 59489 + 51337) cleaned the rust from the rails on 30th July 1978. Ian Buck.

Date: 30th July 1978

Set number: L402

The RPPR Merry-go-Round railtour on 30th July 1978 at Abingdon. It was formed of two 117s with a 121 between: L402 (51377 + 59487 + 51335), 55020, and L404 (51379 + 59489 + 51337). Stuart Mackay Collection.

Date: September 1982

Pressed Steel 2-car dmu set made up of Class 149 Driving Trailer (designed to work with Class 121 & 122 railcars) No.L285 (W56285) & Class 121 railcar L120 (No.W55020) in Rail Blue & Grey with all-yellow front ends leaving Paddington on a service from Greenford, 09/82. Hugh Llewelyn.

Date: 19th February 1983

Set number: L289

Class 121 DTS W56289 (L289) hauled by class 121 single car W55020 (L120) make a smokey departure from Slough onto the Windsor branch, Saturday 19th February 1983 Iain Reid.

Date: 5th November 1983

Set number: B439

The 'Glamorgan Freighter' railtour during its stop at Swansea East Depot on 5 November 1983. It was formed of B439 (51348 / 59479 / 51390), L406 (51341 / 59493 / 51383) & L120 (55020) Chris Lings.

Date: 5th November 1983

Set number: B439

Stopped at Onllwyn on 5 November 1983 is the 'Glamorgan Freighter' railtour (51348 / 59479 / 51390 + 51341 / 59493 / 51383 + 55020). Chris Lings.

Date: 8th April 1984

Set number: L289

Class 121 Pressed Steel single dmu's 54289 + 55020, Windsor & Eton Central, Sunday 08 April 1984. Ian 10B.

Date: 26th August 1984

The 26th of August 1984 and its open day at the GLC refuse centre in Brentford. Running from Southall to Brentford on the freight only line at the time is the Coupler Special service formed of single unit Class 121 bubble cars W55029 and W55020. It seems you were only allowed to lean out of the windows in the rear DMU!! The KDH Archive.

Date: November 1987

Set number: L123

A pair of single unit Bubble Cars on the Bedwyn shuttles seen at Reading in November 1987. Blue / grey 55023 at the eastern end and Network South East liveried 55020 is at the western end. Murray Liston.

Date: 23rd January 1988

Set number: L127

On the 23rd January 1988 triple bubble formation W55027, 55020 and 55021 are seen at Oxford. Ian McDonald.

Date: 29th January 1988

Set number: 122

From left to right - 54070 (L201), 55022 (carrying set number 122), 55027 and 55020 at Reading on the 29th January 1988. The bubbles are each carrying a different livery. Ian McDonald.

Date: 29th October 1999

Set number: 960010

The former 55024, now 977858 set 960010, seen at Aylesbury Depot on the 29th October 1999. On the right is 977722. Ian Buck.

Date: unknown

Set number: 117306

117 306 and 977722 (960002) at Aylesbury (date unknown). Graham Baker.

Date: 29th May 2002

Class 117 51369 was cut up at Aylesbury depot by Sims Metals, seen here on 29 May 2002. To the right can be seen 977722 (ex-55020). Roger Marks.

Date: 16th September 2015

Set number: 960014

I was just in the process of grinding some beans for my coffee on 16 September 2015 when a friend 'phoned urging me to get over to the Hatton area as soon as possible because 960014 (977873) and 55020 were heading north from Aylesbury to Tyseley and were already near Fenny Compton. Having always been a fan of single car DMMUs I grabbed my camera bag and drove over to the 3 arch bridge in Dark Lane, Hatton. As soon as opened the car door I heard a train coming and just had time to take my camera from its bag and grab a rather unsatisfactory shot without checking any camera settings and without noticing that it was set to manual focus after taking some astronomical photographs a few nights ago. The shot is just about acceptable as it shows the rare sight of two "bubbles" in the Down Goods Loop. Peter Tandy.

Date: 16th September 2015

Set number: 960014

The single car DMMUs running as 5T00 from Aylesbury to Tyseley on 16 September 2015 weren't booked to stand in Hatton DGL but rather to wait for their path north in platform 3. Through early running it had to routed along the loop because a train from Stratford-upon-Avon, 1H47, had no choice but to use that platform for the scheduled station stop. After the Stratford train had gone south and 3 trains had gone north 960014 + 55020 were allowed to leave the loop and resume their journey. It was a bit of a shame given the sunny conditions that they were routed through the branch platform but it was fortunate that some trees cast a complete shadow over the line thus avoiding an unpleasant shot in contre-jour. This is far from being 960014's first trip along here; I photographed it in the area on at least 3 previous occasions including on 23 June 2008 when it was running a timing trial before WSMR started locomotive-hauled operations. Peter Tandy.

Date: 5th May 2016

Set number: 034

In its retro BR green livery, 121034 departs from Princes Risborough whilst working the 17.00 to Aylesbury on May 5th 2016. Chiltern Railways had another operational class 121 to use on these services, 55020 is in Chiltern blue livery. Martyn Hilbert.

Date: 28th December 2016

Set number: 034

Class 121 DMBSs W55034 And W55020 on Aylesbury depot, 28 December 2016. Dave Warby.

Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars W55034 and 55020 depart Aylesbury working the 2Z91 11:40 extra service to Princes Risborough on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars W55034 and 55020 approach Aylesbury working the 2Z92 12:50 extra service from Princes Risborough on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Last Day of The Chiltern Bubble Cars. 55034 + 55020 on 2Z96, the 1450 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury, seen shortly after departure. Waddo Rail.

➤