DMU Operations: Western Region
The Birmingham Pullman
The Diesel Pullmans were introduced to this service on 12 September 1960, the same day as The Bristol Pullman. Both were a Monday - Friday only service.
The final service ran on Friday 3 March 1967.
Sample Timetables
From 12 September 1960
This appeared in the 24 August 1960 Punch magazine, scan courtesy of Kevin Lane.
From 11 September 1961
5 1/4" x 8"
From October 1962
5 1/4" x 8"
Images
12th September 1960
In the first day of the new Birmingham Pullman service - 12th September 1960 - the inaugural up working, the 7.00am Wolverhampton - Paddington, arrives into Solihull. Michael Mensing.
12th September 1960
On the day the "Birmingham Pullman" services were introduced - September 12, 1960, the 12.10pm London Paddington - Birmingham Snow Hill passes through Acocks Green station. Michael Mensing.
12th September 1960
On the first day of the Birmingham Pullman service, September 12, 1960, the 4.50pm Paddington - Wolverhampton has some admirers at Solihull. Michael Mensing.
12th September 1960
On the first day of the Birmingham Pullman service, 12th September 1960, the 4.50pm Paddington - Wolverhampton Low Level arrives at Solihull. Michael Mensing.
29th September 1960
The 2.30pm Birmingham Snow Hill - Paddington Birmingham Pullman services is seen between Olton and Solihull on September 29, 1960. Michael Mensing.
late 1960
A Birmingham Pullman service passes through Acocks Green in late 1960. Michael Mensing.
Unknown date
A Blue Pullman set standing in Birmingham Snow Hill station. Andy Cole.
January 1961
A diesel Pullman unit is seen at Acocks Green station in January 1961. Michael Mensing.
circa 1961
In this image taken by Peter Shoesmith, he has cut off part of the rear power car - he did wear thick glasses and we must assume that he did not get close enough to the viewfinder. That said it is a lovely rendering of the old Birmingham Snow Hill and it does show the full length of one of these smart and rather short lived trains with their Nanking blue and white livery. (I thought they looked 'cheap and nasty' when they were re-liveried in white and blue). Particularly pleasing is the view of the platform with the dad and young trainspotter, Dad in his suit and the lad in grey shorts and his school cap. There is an air of unhurried grandeur about the scene, a lost era. The slide was unmounted, therefore undated, but 1961 is a guess. Geoff Dowling and John Whitehouse Collection.
30th January 1961
The 12:10 Paddington - Birmingham Pullman service is seen at Acocks Green on 30 January 1961. Michael Mensing.
18th April 1961
The 4.50pm London Paddington - Wolverhampton Low Level Birmingham Pullman service arrives into Solihull station on 18 August 1961. Michael Mensing.
31st May 1961
The 4.50pm London Paddington - Wolverhampton Low Level Birmingham Pullman service leaves Solihill on 31 May 1961. Michael Mensing.
June 1961
A Birmingham Pullman service is seen at Solihull in June 1961. Michael Mensing.
June 1961
A diesel Pullman unit at Bentley Heath, Dorridge, with a Birmingham Pullman service in early June 1961. Michael Mensing.
29th June 1961
The 4.50pm Paddington - Wolverhampton Birmingham Pullman service departs from Solihull on 29 June 1961. Michael Mensing.
30th June 1961
A Western Region Diesel Pullman set is seen at Bentley Heath with a Birmingham Pullman service on 30 June 1961. Michael Mensing.
July 1961
The Birmingham Pullman service seen between Olton and Solihull in mid-July 1961. Michael Mensing.
July 1961
A Birmingham Pullman service is seen at Acocks Green in early June 1961. Michael Mensing.
6th July 1961
A diesel Pullman unit restarts from Solihull with the 4.50pm Paddington - Wolverhampton Low Level Birmingham Pullman service on 6 July 1961. Michael Mensing.
20th July 1961
The 4.50pm London Paddington - Wolverhampton Low Level "Birmingham Pullman" service passes Bordesley on July 20th, 1961. Michael Mensing.