DMU Operations: London Midland Region
Bedford - London
Some DMUs were introduced to the services on Monday 28th September 1959 with a full takeover from Monday 11th January 1960.
Derby suburban quad (Class 127) sets were used allocated to Cricklewood and these worked the services almost exclusively until replacement by electric units in 1983.
Sample Timetables
If you have any timetables that could be added here please get in touch.
Images
28th September 1959
An image from the November 1959 British Railways London Midland Region staff magazine, captioned as "The inaugural train running into Bedford station". It shows two Derby quad sets (Class 127s), the closest with Special on the blind, tail lamp and driver. This was on 28 September 1959 and this first train would carry David Blee and other dignitaries after a ceremony in the station. The DMUs worked just eight off-peak services from then until the full implementation in January 1960. British Railways.
Unknown date
A London Midland Region publicity image (negative D5547) showing a Derby suburban quad set with a Bedford service in Elstree station, date unknown. British Railways.
circa June 1960
An Albion-powered Derby quad set about to pass Silkstream Junction signal box. Looking brand new, the leading car M51675 was new to Cricklewood at the end of May 1960 where it spent about 18 months before settling into services from Marylebone. Stuart Mackay Collection.
circa early 1960s
Two Derby-built four-car suburban DMUs (later known as Class 127s) at Mill Hill Broadway on a St Pancras - Bedford service circa early 1960s. Waddo Rail Archive.
30th April 1963
M51597 leads a Rolls-Royce powered Derby suburban quad at Harpenden with the 6.45pm Bedford Midland Road-St Pancras service on 30 April 1963. Michael Mensing.
20th June 1965
M51616 leads the 7.40pm Bedford Midland Road - St Pancras service seen north of Harlington on Sunday 20 June 1965. The rear car seems to be of a different type, possibly one of the Cravens (Class 113) vehicles it had at the time. Michael Mensing.
16th April 1966
The staff of Gretton station, and the crew of the 5.55pm to Bedford, on the last day of services, 16th April 1966. Stuart Mackay Collection.
July 1967
BR (Derby) Suburban (later Class 127) 4-car dmu Nos. M51650 (127 in original green livery), M59633 (186 in blue livery), M59592 (186 in blue livery) & M51636 (127 in blue livery) entering St Pancras on a service from Bedford, 07/67. Hugh Llewelyn.
circa 1971
St. Pancras circa 1971, and a Class 127 set is seen ready to work 2C55 to Bedford. John Law.
9th June 1971
In pre-electrification days, passengers alight from the 16.15 from Bedford to St Pancras at Harpenden Central on 9 June 1971, which is formed of two of the 4-car Derby/Rolls-Royce suburban diesel units characteristic of this line (CD611 of Cricklewood depot leading). Note the "red triangle" coupling code symbols on the front Tom Burnham.
circa 1975
A Class 127 about to pass through Hendon station on its way to St Pancras circa late 1975. Phillip Malin.
July 1975
BR (Derby) Class 127 4-car Suburban dmu Nos.M51592 (Class 127), M59597 (186), M59640 (186), M51644 (Class 127) in Rail Blue with all-yellow front ends gently rumbling away at St Pancras before departing for Bedford (Midland Rd), 07/75. Hugh Llewelyn.
September 1975
BR (Derby) Class 127 4-car Suburban dmu Nos.M51592 (Class 127), M59597 (186), M59640 (186), M51644 (Class 127) in Rail Blue with all-yellow front ends gently rumbling away at St Pancras before departing for Bedford (Midland Rd), 09/75. Hugh Llewelyn.
20th March 1976
Class 127 DMU arriving at Hendon with a service to St.Pancras on 20 March 1976. Phil Bevan.
28th June 1976
A Rolls-Royce powered Class 127 DMU sits in Bedford station with a service from St Pancras as two young spotters watch 45128 pass on the down "Master Cutler". Taken on June 28, 1976, shortly before the station was rebuilt. Lewis Bevan.
28th August 1976
Luton, Bedfordshire, 28th August 1976. On the pre-modernisation & electrified Midland main line to St Pancras looking southwards. A Midland Railway scene still with semaphore signals, telegraph poles and Luton station South signalbox. Typical for the era a Class 127 4 car diesel multiple unit arrives from London on a Bedford service. These Rolls-Royce engined hydraulic transmission units were based at Cricklewood and lasted in service until 1983. Pete LG99.
Unknown date
A Class 127 DMU with M51649 closest in St Pancras station circa early 1980s. Paul Redmond.
Unknown date
The view out of a Class 127 DMU at Silkstream Junction, date unknown. Phillip Malin.
Unknown date
A Class 127 DMU arrives into Luton with a service for St Pancras, date unknown. Phillip Malin.
Unknown date
A Class 127 DMU arrives into Leagrave station with a St Pancras - Bedford service, date unknown. The centre screen seems to be a replacement using one that was once on the left side. Phillip Malin.