DMU Operations: London Midland Region
Birmingham New Street - Four Oaks
These services were introduced on 5 March 1956, along with a Birmingham - Lichfield service on the same route, using Monument Lane allocated Derby Lightweights.
A brochure was produced to promote the new trains, it measured 5" x 7 ½" when folded.
From May 1958 Blue Square vehicles would take over, predominately Met-Camms, later Class 116s would be the normal traction.
In 1978 a through Longbridge - Four Oaks service was introduced.
Sample Timetables
5th March to 10th June 1956
4 ¾" x 6 ½" when folded
30th September 1957 to 8th June 1958
4 ¾" x 7 ¼" when folded
15th September, 1958 to 14th June, 1959
Cover only shown
17th November, 1958 to 14th June, 1959
Cover only shown
2nd November, 1959 until 12th June, 1960
Cover only shown
14th March, 1960 until 12th June, 1960
4 ¾" x 7 ½" when folded.
12th June to 10th September 1961
4 ⅞" x 7 ⅝" when folded.
17th June until 8th September, 1963
Cover only shown
1 May 1972 to 6 May 1973
2 ⅞" x 4 ⅛" when folded.
7 May 1973 to 4 May 1974
2 ⅞" x 4 ⅛" when folded.
6 May 1974 to 3 May 1975
2 ⅞" x 4 ⅛" when folded.
Images
1964
With Four Oaks on the destination blind of DMC M50322 a three-car Met-Camm set is seen at Birmingham New Street in the summer of 1964. Michael Mensing.
6th August 1975
A Class 116 DMU at Sutton Coldfield with the 12:30 Birmingham New Street - Four Oaks service on 6 August 1975. Closest is TC M59018, the DMBS is M50056. Michael Mensing.
29th October 1975
Class 116 DMU set TY509 in Erdington station with a Four Oaks service on 29 October 1975. Alistair Ness.
1977
In early 1977 Tyseley Class 116 DMU set TS502 (presumably 50912 + 59002 + 50861) is seen at Aston just after passing under Spaghetti Junction on its way to Four Oaks. Michael Mensing.
June 1977
Tyseley-allocated Class 116 set TS532 (presumably 50121 + 59351 + 50079) arrives into Four Oaks station with a terminating service during July 1977. Michael Mensing.