Vehicle 79900 / 975010
Derby Lightweight
Builder: BR Derby Works
Layout: Low Density
Length: 57ft
Coupling Code: Yellow Diamond
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: LMS
Engines: AEC 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical
Lot Number: 30380
Diagram: 514
Allocations
| Jul-56 | New to | 1E (Bletchley) | |
| 4w/e 02/01/65 | Transferred to | 1C (Watford) | |
| 3w/e 31/01/65 | Transferred to | 1E (Bletchley) | |
| 3w/e 30/09/67 | Transferred to | 50A (York) | |
| P10/67 | To departmental stock | 50A (York) | |
| Dec-67 | Depot code change | 55B | |
| May-73 | Depot code change | YK | |
| circa 1974 | Transferred to | RTC (Derby RTC) |
Notes
14/05/68 - DB975010, SC79036 and SC79189 noted on York shed, all three being used for crew training and route learning.
The vehicle carried the following numbers:
79900 - original number
975010 - from Oct-67 (departmental stock)
Department Use as RDB975010
Route Learner / Railway Technical Centre From 10/67 to 6/99.
Disposal
Preserved - moved to Midland Railway Centre in 2000 - more details.
Some sample formations the vehicle has been noted in:
| 79900 | 79901 | Noted 15/09/1956 - At Brackley Town on Banbury-Buckingham branch | |||||||
| 79900 | Noted 26/06/65 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | ||||||||
| 79900 | 79657 | Noted 23/08/65 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | |||||||
| 79900 | 79131 | 79656 | Noted 02/09/65 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | ||||||
| 79900 | 79190 | Noted 27/11/65 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | |||||||
| 79900 | 79657 | Noted 12/02/66 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | |||||||
| 79900 | 79190 | Noted 12/03/66 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | |||||||
| 79900 | 79190 | Noted 03/06/66 - on Bletchley-Cambridge services1 | |||||||
| 975010 | Noted 31/08/71 - in York shed yard2 |
Formation Sources
1: Roy Endersby
2: Leonard Rogers
Images:
July 1956
An official LMR publicity image of Derby Lightweight 'bubble car' M79900 circa July 1956, probably taken on the Wirksworth branch. This image was distributed with the press release advertising the Buckingham - Banbury branch experiment. British Railways.
July 1956
An official image (Derby Works negative 56/601) of M79900 at Derby C&W Works, circa July 1956. British Railways.
July 1956
An official image (Derby Works negative 56/602) of M79900 number two end at Derby C&W Works circa July 1956. British Railways.
July 1956
An official image (Derby Works negative 56/603) of the interior of M79900, circa July 1956. This is taken from the guards van (number two) end. British Railways.
July 1956
An official image (Derby Works negative 56/604) of the interior of M79900, circa July 1956. This is looking towards the guards van, with the sliding door into the van closed. British Railways.
July 1956
An official image (Derby Works negative 56/605) of the interior of M79900, circa July 1956. This is looking towards the guards van, with the sliding door into the van open. British Railways.
circa early August 1956
M79900 at Bletchley circa early August 1956 before the Buckingham-Banbury services started. Driver Bert Bennett is being instructed by Stan Smith while shedmaster E Dodd watches from the platform (wearing the trilby hat). Image by former Bletchley driver Arthur Grigg from his 1972 book 'In Railway Service' by kind permission of Graham Baker. AE Grigg.
circa early August 1956
M79900 departs from Bletchley on a driver training run circa early August 1956 before the Buckingham-Banbury services started. Bert Bennett is at the controls under the instruction of Stan Smith. To the right Baltic Tank 42487 waits to leave platform 2 with an Oxford service. Image by former Bletchley driver Arthur Grigg from his 1972 book 'In Railway Service' by kind permission of Graham Baker. AE Grigg.
6th April 1957
Derby Lightweight 'double ender' M79900 in Banbury Merton Street station on April 6, 1957. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Unknown date
British Railways (Derby Lightweight) single unit (DMBS) railcar M79900 at Banbury Merton Street station with a service for Buckingham - c.1958. Remarkably this railcar survives to this day, having been rebuilt as test coach "Iris", based at Bletchley and numbered 975010 in the departmental series. Its last years of service were with the Research Centre at Derby where it was again repainted into lined green livery. It is now preserved at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. 53A Models of Hull Collection.
30th August 1958
Derby Lightweight railcar M79900 pauses at Buckingham up platform on 30 August 1958. Scanned from a negative taken by the late Doug Clayton, now the copyright of the Industrial Railway Society. Kevin Lane Collection.
6th August 1960
The two "double-ender" Derby Lightweights (M79900 and M79901) arrive into Brackley station with the 6.30pm Buckingham - Banbury service on 6 August 1960. Michael Mensing.
25th August 1960
M79900 sits in Banbury Merton Street station. It will depart on the 1.55pm to Buckingham. Michael Mensing.
25th August 1960
Derby Lightweight double-ender M79900 arrives at Banbury with the 12.30pm from Bletchley on 25 August 1960. Michael Mensing.
18th April 1964
Double-ender M79900 is seen south of Padbury (near Buckingham) with the 4.0pm Bletchley - Buckingham service on April 18, 1964. The small saloon immediately behind the van has been converted to a parcels area, the window has a wire mesh and a stack of parcels is visible. Michael Mensing.
18th April 1964
Derby Lightweight double-ender M79900 working the 4.35pm Buckingham - Bletchley service west of Winslow (near Buckingham) on April 18, 1964. Michael Mensing.
30th April 1965
Derby Lightweight single car M79900 with trailer M79634 are seen stabled at Oxford Shed on the 30th of April 1965. The KDH Archive.
Unknown date
975010 - the former M79900 and later known as Iris - in what appears to be Huddersfield station, date unknown. It had been transferred to departmental use at York in 1967 and appears to be on route learning duties. It was used for route learning in preparation for the introduction of Huddersfield-Penistone-Sheffield Midland DMU service on 5 January 1970, so this could be circa December 1969. Malcolm Clements.
Unknown date
975010 (ex-M79900) during its time as an Eastern Region route learner, in the diesel repair shed at York, circa late 1960s. Graham Clark.
May 1968
M79900 approaches West Parade North Junction on the Scarborough line at Hull in May 1968. The vehicle was in route learning use based at York. Seen at lunchtime on its return from the coast, these route learners were a regular feature in the Spring months for several years: they originated in West Yorkshire and took men over the route to Brid and Scarborough in preparation for the summer extras to the coastal resorts. Leonard Rogers.
circa 1970
975010 (ex-79900) in York diesel repair shop, adjacent to the roundhouse, circa 1970, during its time as an ER route-learning vehicle. Tony Wilkins.
circa 1970
975010 (ex-79900) in York diesel repair shop, adjacent to the roundhouse, circa 1970, during its time as an ER route-learning vehicle. Tony Wilkins.
9th August 1970
975010 in York roundhouse, 9/8/70. David Mant.
10th October 1970
Derby Lightweight Eastern Region route learner DB975010 (ex-79900) approaches Northallerton on 10 October 1970. Paul Braybrook.
circa 1971
Route learner DB975010 departs from York station, thought to be circa 1971. Stuart Mackay Collection.
24th September 1977
Test Car Iris 975010 at the Derby Technical Centre on the 24th September 1977. Chris Lings.
1st September 1979
Former Derby Lightweight single car 79900, departmental unit RDB975010 'Iris' seen at Doncaster Works in the company of a refurbished class 101 driving car on 1/Sep/1979. Robert Chilton.
22nd September 1979
The side tells us this is 'Test Coach Iris', then numbered RDB 975010. The original M79900 is seen at Crewe. Robert Frise.
22nd September 1979
Railway Technical Centre, Derby, Test Coach Iris RDB975010 (ex-Derby Lightweight unit No. M79900) on display at BREL Crewe Works Open Day on 22nd September 1979. Between what I believe to be a Sleeper Coach and the unit can just be glimpsed 40102, whilst in the background is 24081. What a line up! Gordon Edgar.
22nd September 1979
The Railway Technical Center (Derby) liveried, Test Coach Iris RDB975010 (ex-Derby Lightweight unit M79900) on display at BREL Crewe Works, whilst in the background is a MK1 Sleeper Car. 22nd September 1979. Andrew J Crowther.
22nd September 1979
One of the exhibits at the Crewe Works Open Day on September 22nd 1979, Test Coach Iris (RDB975010) was in the red/blue livery of the Railway Technical Centre at Derby. Built in 1956 as one of a pair of single units, 79900 was withdrawn from passenger service in 1967 and passed into departmental use. Martyn Hilbert.
22nd September 1979
Test Coach Iris RDB975010 on display at BREL Crewe Works Open Day on 22nd September 1979. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Unknown date
RDB975010 - Test Coach Iris - seen in the Derby Technical Centre. Date unknown. Tim Stubbs.
Unknown date
Test Coach Iris at Orpington, date unknown. Note the large aerial mounted horizontally from the front. Stuart Pearce.
circa early 1980s
Test Car Iris, 975010, in Saxmundham station, circa early 1980s. Taken just after image 31513. Stuart Mackay Collection.
28th March 1982
975010 (Test Coach Iris) seen at Derby Research Centre on the 28th March 1982. Ian Francis.
14th September 1982
Derby Single Unit RDB975010 IRIS Inverness 14 September 1982. Test coach IRIS in a bay platform at Inverness. Despite my extensive travels throughout the UK in the 1970s this was the first time I had seen this unit and I was very surprised to cop it this far north. I have since travelled in it at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in it's restored guise as M79900. Alistair Ness.
14th September 1982
RDB975010 (ex M79900) Inverness Station 14 September 1982 Test coach IRIS in a bay platform at Inverness. Despite my extensive travels throughout the UK in the 1970s this was the first time I had seen this unit and I was very surprised to cop it this far north. I have since travelled in it at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in it's restored guise as M79900. Alistair Ness.
20th July 1983
Test Coach Iris 975010 behind 37260 at Strathcarron on the Kyle Line on 20 July 1983. Note the wire from the cab of the 37 and strung along the side, likely going to the DMU. This was probably part of trials for RETB signalling which was introduced to the line the following year. Lewis Bevan.
Unknown date
975010 Test Coach Iris seen at the Derby Railway Technical Centre. Date unknown. Tim Stubbs.
Unknown date
975010 Test Coach Iris seen at the Derby Railway Technical Centre. Date unknown. Tim Stubbs.
Unknown date
975010 Test Coach Iris seen at the Derby Railway Technical Centre. Date unknown. Tim Stubbs.
2nd June 1984
RDB975010 Test Coach Iris, Newcastle, on June 2, 1984. John Carter.
circa mid-1980s
Iris - 975010 - sits in Inverness station, circa mid-1980s. Norman Smart.
9th July 1984
RDB 975010 'Test Coach Iris' at Inverness on 9/7/84. It was probably there in connection with the introduction of RETB working on the Kyle and Far North Lines. Kenneth Leiper.
17th July 1984
Derby Lightweight single DMBS RDB975010 'Test Coach Iris' stabled at Dingwall on 17-7-84. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
22nd August 1984
RDB975010 scuttles along near Muir of Ord on 22 Augsuat 1984. Chris Thorp.
circa April 1985
Derby Leightweight RDB975010 stabled at the Derby RTC. The slide process date was April 1985. Stuart Mackay Collection.
20th June 1985
Test Coach Iris at Inverness on 20/06/85. Roddy MacPhee.
22nd June 1985
975010 at Inverness on 22/06/85. Photo courtesy (c) StevenH. Roddy MacPhee Collection.
16th January 1986
RDB 975010 'Iris' stabled at Dingwall on the 16th January 1986 while on RETB testing duties. Hamish Stevenson.
8th June 1986
Derby Lightweight single car RDB 975010 'Test Coach Iris' stabled on Derby RTC on 8-6-86, with APT non-driving motor 49005 behind. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
1986
975010, Test Coach Iris, at Doncaster in 1986. John Law.
circa 1986
975010 - Test Coach Iris - seen at Bletchley TMD circa 1986. Graham Baker.
circa 1986
975010 at Bletchley TMD circa 1986. It's carrying CA, DY and RG shed stickers! Graham Baker.
Unknown date
Test Coach Iris 975010 seen at Crewe. Undated. The blue sticker in the centre cab window reads "The Orcadian" - a momento from it's time at Inverness. Andrew McConnell.
10th June 1987
Test Coach Iris DB975010 heads northbound through Peterborough on 10th June 1987. AndrewHA.
1988
Test Coach IRIS at Reading. Robert Chilton Collection.
1988
Test Coach IRIS at Reading. Robert Chilton Collection.
5th March 1988
Test coach "Iris" 975010 at Clapham Junction on 5 March 1988. Lewis Bevan.
12th March 1988
975010 seen at the stops at Waterloo, 12/3/88. Iain Reid.
13th March 1988
975010 is in the platform at Bookham, 13/3/88. Iain Reid.
13th March 1988
975010 is in the platform at Bookham, 13/3/88. Iain Reid.
13th March 1988
975010 seen at Leatherhead, 13/3/88. Iain Reid.
19th March 1988
RDB 975010 “Iris” at Clapham Junction on 19 March 1988. Lewis Bevan.
20th March 1988
Test Car 'IRIS' RDB975010 in Selhurst Depot. 20/03/88. Adrian Nicholls.
8th May 1988
On a gloomy Sunday (8/5/88), Test Coach Iris is seen with a Class 47, thirty-seven redundant Mark 1s and a pair of Class 20s coming out of Corby tunnel. These trials were to do with communications in the Channel Tunnel. At this point Iris was being detached from the train. Mike Dean.
8th May 1988
975010 seen at Corby during radio communication trails, 8/5/88. Mike Dean.
8th May 1988
975010 seen at Corby during radio communication trails, 8/5/88 Mike Dean.
8th May 1988
975010 seen at Corby during radio communication trails, 8/5/88. Mike Dean.
June 1988
RDB975010 'Test Coach Iris' (former 79900) north end of Cambridge station June (sometime between the 13th and 24th) 1988. The mEt-Camm on the right is 51180. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
June 1988
Derby Lightweight RDB975010 'Test Coach Iris' (former 79900) waits at north end of Cambridge station 13 to 24-6-88, On Tour With The Class 13 Army.
June 1988
Derby Lightweight RDB975010 'Test Coach Iris' (former 79900) signage detail at Cambridge, 13 to 24-6-88. On Tour With The Class 13 Army.
July 1988
Test Coach Iris, RDB975010 (ex-M79900) at Aylesbury in July 1988. The unit survives on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, whilst Aylesbury South signal box was removed following closure in 1990 and is now at Swithland Sidings on the Great Central Railway. Kevin Lane.
2nd September 1988
975010 Test Car Iris is seen passing Saltley on 02.09.1988 being hauled by 97204. Andy Cole.
circa late 1980s
Test Coach Iris (975010) at Herne Hill, circa late 1980s. Stuart Pearce.
1989
Test Coach Iris in Blackfriars station, 1989. John Law.
1989
RDB975010 test coach 'Iris' seen at London Bridge in 1989. Robert Chilton Collection.
1989
Test Coach Iris - 975010 - in Partick station circa summer 1989. Brian Ward.
1989
Test Coach Iris - 975010 - in Partick station circa summer 1989. Brian Ward.
15th April 1989
Test Coach Iris, 975010, at Walton on Thames on 15 April 1989. Taken by John Vaughan. Stuart Mackay Collection.
21st October 1989
Test Coach Iris - RDB975010 - stabled in "Y" sidings at Crewe Gresty Lane on 21st October 1989. Paul James.
13th November 1989
Taken against the sun, leaving Waterloo, during the excavations and rebuilding, 13/11/89 Ian McDonald.
1991
975010's No2 end, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A close up bufferbeam view of 975010's No2 end, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
975010's No1 side, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A close up of one of some of the external grills added for 975010's departmental duties, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the No1 end cab driving position, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the former front passenger saloon, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the corner of the former middle passenger saloon, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the former middle passenger saloon, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is thought to be the area towards the rear of the vehicle, either the rear passenger saloon or the former guards compartment; at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the No2 end driving cab, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the No2 end driving desk, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the corner of the No2 end driving cab showing the marker light controls and air/axle panel, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
1991
A rare interior view of 975010 during its departmental career. This is the No2 end driving cab, at the technical centre, Derby, in 1991 during an inspection by an enthusiast who was making early arrangements to purchase the vehicle for preservation once it became surplus to requirements. In the event, 975010 was preserved, but under a different owner. John Pepper.
April 1991
Test Coach Iris, 975010, in Derby station in April 1991. Note the name also stuck in a cab window. Tim Stubbs.
April 1991
Test Coach Iris (975010) in Derby station in April 1991. Tim Stubbs.
22nd April 1991
Test Coach Iris 975010 at Littleport on the 22nd April 1991. Nicholas Youngman.
2nd August 1991
DB975010 on 2T96 Derby RTC to Manchester Piccadilly for testing the Altrincham to Bury lines for the onset on Metrolink. New Mills South Junction. Kevin Dowd.
15th August 1991
975010 in the air at the EDU, Derby, 15/8/91. John Reddyhoff.
2nd July 1992
975010 Test Coach Iris at Peterborough on the 2nd July 1992. Note the name is also showing in the window. Jerry Glover.
10th July 1992
Test coach Iris RDB975010 at Stenson Junction on 10 July 1992. This travelled along the North Staffordshire line so was presumably on its way to Crewe. Peter Tandy.
19th March 1993
A truly remarkable survivor ..... This is RDB 975010 Test Car 'Iris' part of the RTC departmental fleet, based at Derby. It started life in 1956 as one of a pair of single car Derby Lightweight vehicles built for use on the Banbury-Buckingham-Bletchley route. When this route closed, the sister vehicle M79901 was withdrawn at the end of 1966 and scrapped at its home depot of Bletchley. However this vehicle M79900 was transferred to departmental 'Crew Road Learning' duties and moved to York, where it remained until being reallocated to the Research Centre at Derby in 1974. Operating from here it travelled all over the network and was latterly involved in radio communications. Repainted into BR Green livery in 1994 It remained at Derby until mid 1999 before being withdrawn and snapped up for preservation. Here it is seen trundling through Cholsey, on the approach to Didcot, whilst on a transit move back to the RTC ..... 19th March 1993. Nigel Mack.
1994
975010 stabled at the technical centre, Derby, in 1994. John Pepper.
1994
975010 stabled at the technical centre, Derby, in 1994. John Pepper.
1st March 1994
975010 at Barthomley Crossing on 1 March 1994, noted as being on driver training duties. Stuart Mackay Collection.
21st September 1994
975010 Test Car Iris in London Waterloo station on 21 September 1994. Robert Thomas.
21st September 1994
975010 Test Car Iris in London Waterloo station on 21 September 1994. Robert Thomas.
29th September 1994
975010 / M79900 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. Probably the only DMU car to carry its current vehicle number on the cab and not the bodyside. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
975010 / M79900 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. This shows the exhuast from the engine on the right. The gearbox is a yellow/gold colour with the cardan shaft going from it to the final drive on the bogie. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. This shows the exhuast from the engine on the right. The plain rectangular item behind the gearbox is a fuel tank. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. On the left with the grille is a radiator, there is a small and large air receiver and a fuel tank. This is the number one side of the vehicle with the van to the right. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. This is the number two side with the van to the left and we are looking at the AEC 220 engine. The two rectangular boxes under the crest contain EP valves. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. This is the number 2 side with the van to the right. 79xxx series vehicles had the radiator on the same side as the engine it cooled, the drive shaft can be seen between the two. On blue square vehicles the radiators were on the opposite side of the vehicle from its associated engine. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. This shows the battery box and electrical control box (with the BIS box) on the number one side of the vehicle, the van is to the right. Brian Daniels.
29th September 1994
Underframe detail on 975010 at Saltley on 29 September 1994. This shows the battery box on the number one side of the vehicle, the van is to the left. Brian Daniels.
Unknown date
975010 Iris at Waterloo, date unknown. Stuart Pearce.
20th July 1995
975010 in Butterley station during a visit to the Midland Centre on 22-7-95, several years before it entered preservation. Stuart Mackay Collection.
27th August 1995
Green liveried 975010 seen at Crewe Basford Hall open day, 27/8/95. Martin Sprigg.
27th August 1995
975010 IRIS is seen on display at Crewe Basford Hall open day on 27.08.1995. It had been repainted back into BR green. Andy Cole.
27th August 1995
Carrying only its original number on the bodyside, 975010 is seen at Crewe Basford Hall open day on 27/8/95. John Grey Turner.
27th August 1995
TDB975010 at Crewe open day on August 27, 1995. John Grey Turner.
27th August 1995
975010 at the Crewe Basford Hall open day on 27 August 1995. Stuart Parkinson.
1997
'Iris' (975010) at Nottingham Midland in 1997. David Page.
1997
Railtest 975010 at Nottingham Midland in 1997. David Page.
1997
With some sort of bracketing fitted to the cab, 975010 sits in Nottingham Midland in 1997. David Page.
Unknown date
975010 'Iris' on Hither Green depot sometime during the 1990s. Waddo Rail.
19th June 1998
Derby Lightweight single car 975010 'Iris' is seen resting at Hither Green depot on 19-6-98. Ian Cuthbertson.
circa 1998
975010 (Iris) at the Railway Technical Centre, Derby, date unknown. In its latter days in traffic it was used sandwiched between two Class 101 power cars (53314 + 53327) when the AEC engines were unserviceable. David Faircloth.
The vehicle is mentioned in the following images:
Date: circa June 1956
A Derby Works image (negative 56/426) showing construction work underway on Derby Lightweights circa June 1956. The closest gentleman is assembling a destination blind wooden box, the second is working with the wiring for the jumper sockets. The first vehicle is unidentified but the second - with the cab and van at the same end and a full size window behind the van - can only be M79900. British Railways.
Date: circa June 1956
A Derby Works image (negative 56/429) showing Derby Lightweight construction work circa June 1956. The workers at the benches are working on electrical components, the first on a control box for the underframe that holds the BIS and fuses, at his feet are junction boxes for behind the drivers seat and the small boxes are air pressure switches for the final drives. Note under the desk by the second chap is a light box for testing the control wiring. Two vehicles are identifiable, M79684 which would be delivered to Bury in July 1956. Note the vehicle is lined but the drivers door is not (although it has had a PRIVATE transfer added), and still lacks seats inside. The DMBS it was to be built with was converted to one of the single cars for the Buckingham-Banbury service and one of these - M79900 - is seen behind it with Cresswell on the destination blind. British Railways.
Date: circa 1956
This image appeared on the rear cover of issue two of the 'Transport Age' magazine and shows both the single car Derby Lightweight vehicles (M79900 + M79901) in Buckingham station, circa 1956. British Railways.
Date: 6th August 1960
The two Derby Lightweight "double-enders" M79901 and M79900 are seen near Brackley with the 5.50pm Banbury-Buckingham service on 6 August 1960. Michael Mensing.
Date: 6th August 1960
Double bubble, M79901 and M79900 at Brackley with the 3.45pm Banbury - Buckingham service on August 6th, 1960. Michael Mensing.
Date: circa 1987
A scene at the Derby Technical Centre circa 1987. In the contains their Park Royal DMU 975089 + 975090 with "Iris" 975010 behind. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Date: 15th September 1998
Set number: L842
While on Dark Lane bridge at Hatton on 15 September 1998 I was surprised to see a class 101 DMU coming down the bank from Hatton station. It turned out to be 101842 with cars 53321 + 53314 providing the power and traction for test coach Iris, 975010, the AEC engines in which rarely seemed to be in operation. Peter Tandy.
Date: 21st October 1998
Set number: L842
After withdrawal the power cars from set L842, 53314 + 53327, were used as tractor units for Test Car Iris (975010) due to maintenance issues with its AEC engines. Here the trio are seen stabled at Cardiff Central on 21 October 1998. Robert Thomas.
Date: 21st October 1998
Set number: L842
53327 + 53314, formerly part of set L842, as tractor units for 975010. Despite this departmental use after withdrawal they were never issued with numbers in the departmental series. Seen at Cardiff Central on 21 October 1998. Robert Thomas.
Date: September 2001
Set number: 960012
Departmental DMUs. 977860 in the yard at Butterley in September 2001 beside 975010 before entering the carriage shed for repairs and a repaint. Work has already begun, a window has been removed mid-way along the bodyside beside the steps. Stuart Mackay.