DMU Operations: North Eastern Region
Leeds City / Central - Bradford Exchange / Interchange
British Railways first diesel multiple unit went into service at the start of the 1954 summer timetable on the 14th June between Leeds Central and Bradford Exchange. Some trains ran via Pudsey, but most via Stanningley, and a considerable number of runs were made non-stop.
The hydro-mechanical Derby Lightweight sets were initially used, later replaced by a variety of blue square types.
When Leeds City station closed in April 1967 the services switched to Leeds Central, and the new Interchange station at Bradford replaced Exchange in the early 1970s.
Other through DMU services used the route such as Bradford - Leeds - Harrogate.
Sample Timetables
13th June to 18th September 1955
Card, 3 3/8" x 5"
11th June to 16th September 1956
Card, 3 3/8" x 5"
9th June to 14th September 1958
Card, 3 1/4" x 5"
Images
August 1954
Complete with oil tail lamp, E79500 departs Leeds Central for Bradford one August evening in 1954. H Walshaw.
circa 1974
The train sheds of the former Bradford Exchange station are still in evidence in the background of this photograph of the then new Bradford Interchange with a class 110 "Calder Valley" DMU bound for Leeds. Taken between closure in 1974 and demolition in 1976. Bob Belcher.
10th April 1974
A class 108 DMU (E50617 leading) on a Bradford service at Leeds station on 10th April 1974. Bob Belcher.
13th September 1976
A Class 101 three-car trailer-brake set arrives into Bradford Exchange, thought to be the 5.25pm from Leeds. Michael Mensing.
21st March 1977
A trio of DMUs in Leeds station on March 21, 1977. On the left is a refurbished Met-Camm set, in the middle a refurbished Class 108 (on an Ilkley working), and closest is a Class 110 BRC&W set still in plain blue livery with the 3.30pm to Bradford Exchange service. Michael Mensing.
Unknown date
A Class 108 in Leeds station on a Bradford service - date unknown. This is one of the early refurbishments with the mini four character headcode in the left cab window. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Unknown date
A two-car Class 111 departs from Leeds with Bradford on the destination blind, date unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
18th May 1984
E51832 + ? + E51824 with a Leeds service at Bradford Interchange on 18 May 1984. Hamish Stevenson.
18th May 1984
A Class 111 on a Bradford Exchange - Leeds service is seen at Mill Lane Junction (Bradford) on 18 May 1984. Hamish Stevenson.
24th July 1985
A couple of Met-Camm DMUs in Bradford Interchange on 24th July 1985. One has Leeds on the destination blind, the other Blackpool. Jonathan Hazan.