DMU Operations: London Midland Region
Carlisle - Silloth
This was the first DMU service introduced on the London Midland Region, and the first of the three services for the West Cumberland scheme. Derby Lightweights were used.
The service was introduced on 29th November 1954 with little alteration to existing timings.
In winters this was a weekdays (Mon-Sat) only service. Summers had several additional weekday runs and a Sunday service, although the Sunday and a considerable amount of the Weekday services were operated by steam.
In 1963 summer Silloth services were worked by steam stock at weekends, on Monday - Fridays timings all the services to be operated by one Derby Lightweight set, the first in several summers not to be steam.[1]
Despite very succesful passenger figures after the introduction of the DMUs, loadings were not sustained and the Silloth branch fell victim the Beeching axe, closing on 7 September 1964.
Sample Timetables
The first was just a double sided piece of paper, measuring 4 7/8" x 6 1/2". The remainder (of the ones shown here) were small light card timetables approximately 2" x 4" when folded.
29th November 1954 until further notice
13th June to 19th September 1955
Only one side shown.
11th June to 16th September 1956
17th September 1956 until further notice
9th June to 14th September 1958
18th June to 9th September 1962
17th June to 8th September 1963
Only cover shown
If you have any timetables that could be added here please get in touch.
Images
28th July 1955
A two-car Derby Lighweight set is seen at Carlisle with a Silloth service on July 28, 1955. Stuart Mackay Collection.
15th March 1956
On March 15, 1956, M79011 + M79603 are seen in Silloth station with the 10:20 Carlisle service. Hamish Stevenson.
Unknown date
A London Midland Region publicity image (negative D5189) showing a Derby Lightweight DMU in Silloth station, date unknown. British Railways.
References
- ⋏ p242 August 1963 Railway Observer (Railway Correspondence and Travel Society)