Class 116 Derby 3-car Suburban DMUs

Introduced: 1957
Coupling code: Blue Square
Underframe: 64ft 6in
Engines: Leyland / A.E.C. 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical

The Western Region Dieselisation Scheme, issued in 1955, included plans for the use of diesel cars on suburban and local lines in the Birmingham area and led to this class being ordered. They eventually totalled 320 vehicles.

These were first high density sets to be built. They were formed of a DMBS, TC or TS and a DMS and originally accommodated 262 passengers. Built without gangways, these were added to many vehicles in later years decreasing the seating capacity.

All were delivered to the Western Region entering service in the West Midlands, South Wales and Bristol. They soon spread thoughtout the Region and were eventually allocated to all regions except the Southern.

A further 168 vehicles were planned — changing build priorities at Derby saw the construction given to contractors instead (becoming the Class 117 and Class 118s).

In the mid-1960s some vehicles were converted for parcels use and a Railair set ran GUVs sandwiched between the power cars. Some were later put back to passenger use. In the 1980s cars were again designated for parcels use. When the Class was used for parcels use they were generally referred to as Class 130s.

Of the 1,392 vehicles that were built by Derby, it was this class that outlasted them all in passenger use, the final cars surviving until the mid-nineties. Eleven vehicles were preserved.