DMU Operations: London Midland Region
Crewe - Derby
DMUs were introduced to these services on Monday 16 September 1957. A special brochure was produced, as had been done for other services.
The new trains brought timetable improvements There were some half dozen more trains in each direction on weekdays, and three more on Sundays. Timings were based on an even-timed hourly service on weekdays and two-hourly on Sundays, with timings cut by some 27 mins compared with previous steam schedules[1]. The 51 miles, stopping at all stations, was covered in 87 mins.
Although not shown in the brochure or timetables, Marchington station (between Uttoxeter and Tutbury) was noted as reopening for passenger traffic for the DMU introduction, with five eastbound and six westbound services calling there[2]. This was shortlived, the station closed in 15 September 1958[3].
Initially three-car Class 104s would be used, allocated to Crewe, they would soon be joined by three-car Class 105s. In May 1969 Class 120s arrived at Derby from the Western Region and took over the services. In 1986 Sprinters replaced the first generation units.
The route was also served by other services such as Crewe - Lincoln.
Sample Timetables
16th September 1957 to 8th June 1958
4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
17th November 1958 to 14th June 1959
4 3/4" x 6 1/2"
12th September 1960 to 11th June 1961
Cover only shown
9th September 1963 to 14th June 1964
4 1/2" x 6 1/2"
6 March 1967 to 5 May 1968
Cover only shown
6 May 1968 to 4 May 1969
Cover only shown
Images
26th March 1961
A three-car Cravens DMUs standing in Derby station after arriving with a train from Crewe 26th March 1961 on 26 March 1981. The DMBS is noted as M50779, a Newton Heath allocated vehicle normally formed in a power-twin. Keith Long.
19th August 1961
The driver looks happy to have his picture taken as he brings two BRC&W triples into Cresswell station on the 9.20am Crewe - Derby Midland service on a rainy 19 August 1961. Michael Mensing.
Unknown date
A London Midland Region publicity image (Negative D7109) showing a three-car BRC&W set arriving at Uttoxeter with a Crewe service, possibly from Derby, date unknown. Image courtesy of Diesel Unit Preservation Associates Limited. British Railways.
27th February 1963
A London Midland Region publicity photograph (negative D7100) showing a three-car BRC&W DMU with a Crewe bound service at Uttoxeter on February 7th 1963. British Railways.
23rd April 1966
A Cravens triple set working the 5.57pm Derby - Crewe service seen south of Harecastle Tunnel on 23 April 1966. A few items of note: there are two DMBSs; the leading car - thought to be M50768 - is missing the lining between the cab windows; and the very light coloured roof of the TSL centre car which as a 1 on the closest door. Michael Mensing.
6th March 1976
A Class 120 DMU departs from Crewe on 6 March 1976 with Derby on the destination blind. The closest car seem to be M50678. Stuart Mackay Collection.
August 1978
M50502 leads a three-car Class 104 into Uttoxeter station on a wet day in August 1978. Michael Mensing.
August 1978
A three-car Class 104 DMU in Uttoxeter station in August 1978, with DMSL M50502 closest. It was allocated to Derby Etches Park. Michael Mensing.
August 1978
A Derby service is seen in Uttoxeter station in mid-August 1978. A set number - EP578 - can just be seen in the left cab window of the Swindon Class 120 Cross-Country DMU. Michael Mensing.
August 1978
A Class 120 DMU arrives into Uttoxeter station in mid-August 1978. Michael Mensing.
August 1978
With water streaming from the gutter of the closest cab corner of M50685 a Swindon Class 120 Cross-Country DMU arrives into Uttoxeter with a Crewe service in August 1978. The set number in the cab window seems to read EP581. Michael Mensing.
12th August 1978
A Class 120 DMU - possibly set EP355 - is seen with a Crewe service at Uttoxeter on 12 August 1978. Michael Mensing.
12th August 1978
A Swindon Cross-Country DMU forms the 5.30pm Derby-Crewe service seen in Stoke-on-Trent station on 12 August 1978. Michael Mensing.
1979
A Swindon Cross-Country DMU departs from Uttoxeter heading for Crewe in spring 1979. Michael Mensing.
April 1979
A Swindon Class 120 Cross-Country DMU is seen at Sudbury (Staffs) on April 1979, M50654 leading. Michael Mensing.
August 1979
A Class 120 Swindon Cross-Country set led by DMBC M50742 passes by Sudbury crossing signal box on the (former) North Staffordshire line in August 1979. The box is now a listed building. Michael Mensing.
19th April 1980
The much lamented Swindon Class 120's used to work the Crewe - Derby services in the late '70's and early 1980's - here one such unit has just departed Stoke-on-Trent at Cockshute on its way to Crewe on the 19th April 1980. They were usurped by new Sprinter Class 150's in 1986. Paul Bettany.
28th July 1984
EP519 - with a Met-Camm centre car - works the 11:56 Derby to Crewe through Peartree on 28/7/84. Ian Francis.
23rd December 1985
A Derby allocated Swindon Cross-Country class 120 dmu set EP514 comprising of cars M53687 + M59264 + M53705, waits to leave platform 4 at Crewe with a Derby service, 23rd December 1985. Andrew J Crowther.
1989
55033 is seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. The blue vehicle is probably 975540, unseen is 55034. Simon Barnes.
1989
A triple bubble formation seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. Identifiable cars are 55033 (Midline) and T014 / 55034 (blue grey). Simon Barnes.
1989
55034 as at the head of a triple bubble formation, the cab of 55033 is adjacent. At Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. Simon Barnes.
1989
A triple bubble formation, seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. Identifiable cars are 55033 (Midline) and T014 / 55034 (blue grey), the rail blue vehicle is probably 975540. Simon Barnes.
1989
A triple bubble formation, seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working. Identifiable cars are 55033 (midline) and T014 / 55034 (blue grey). 1989. Simon Barnes.
31st August 1989
Class 108 Set CH258 on an afternoon Derby - Crewe service approaches Longton on the down road on Thursday 31st August 1989. Colin Brooks.
15th July 1992
Tyseley set T039 formed class 108 DMBS 51928 and class 108 DMCL 52044 stands at Derby waiting departure time to Crewe on 15/Jul/1992. At this time the Crewe to Derby services were a good bet for 1st generation DMU rostering. Robert Chilton.
17th July 1992
Tyseley depot's set T052, formed as a hybrid unit with class 116 53060 and class 101 53321 waits at Derby on 17/Jul/1992 with a Crewe service, with 158 780 alongside on a Nottingham service. Robert Chilton.
References
- ⋏ p346 20 September 1957 Railway Gazette
- ⋏ p345 20 September 1957 Railway Gazette
- ⋏ "Marchington railway station" Wikipedia accessed 13 September 2024