DMU Operations: London Midland Region
Bangor - Amlwch
The ACV lightweight diesel train was tested on the service in late May 1953[1]. During the 18 May - 8 June trials they were criticised for being uncomfortable[2].
DMUs were introduced to the service on 28 May 1956. Initially Derby Lightweights allocated to Llandudno Junction depot (6J) were used.
By 31 October 1956 the service had seen a passenger figure increase of 26% — 5,392 more passengers than the same period in 1955.[3]
From July 1957 blue square units would begin to be seen on the service.
Passenger services ended in early December 1964. The line remained open for freight, and DMUs would visit Amlwch on railtours and for Lein Amlwch special trains.
Sample Timetable
17th June to 14th September 1957
4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
15th June to 13th September 1959
In the LMR Passenger Services timetable it was Table 89 (0.4 mb pdf).
12th June to 10th September 1961
In the LMR Passenger Services timetable it was Table 89 (0.4 mb pdf).
17th June to 8th September 1963
In the LMR Passenger Services timetable it was Table 89 (0.4 mb pdf).
Images
19th September 1956
A London Midland Region publicity image (negative DM472) showing a Derby Lightweight DMU on an Amlwch service at Bangor on 19 September 1956. British Railways.
1959
A (Blue Square) Derby Lightweight DMU at Amlwch Station in 1959 by Derek Chaplin. The branch to Amlwch has been the focus for a preserved line for a long time. The passenger service to Amlwch closed in 1964. In 1959 Derek Chaplin accompanied BBC broadcaster Wynford Vaughan Thomas making a radio broadcast catching trains only from Cardiff to North Wales and calling in on both the embryonic Talyllyn and Ffestiniog railways. Subsequently, Derek made up a 35mm slide show called " Trains of Wales 1959" which he showed at railway societies. These 137 mainly Kodachrome slides have been found by his family preserved in a dry wooden storage box and I am privileged to scan them for people to see again. The notes on each slide are minimalist and with no actual dates so anybody who can add interesting information is appreciated. Peter Brabham Collection.
References
- ⋏ Diesel Train in Wales and Scotland, Notes and News, p497 The Railway Magazine July 1953
- ⋏ History page, Anglesey Central Railway Ltd website, accessed 15 July 2024
- ⋏ p12 January 1957 Railway Observer (Railway Correspondence and Travel Society)