Class 117 Pressed Steel 3-car DMUs

Introduced: 1959
Coupling code: Blue Square
Underframe: 64ft 6in
Engines: Leyland 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical

One of the Western Region high density Derby designs, the class operated mainly around the Paddington/Reading areas. 42 of each power car type was built and 39 centre cars.

The Class was unusual in having vehicles officially named when in the 1990s set 701 (51350/92) was named 'Marston Vale' and 705 (51358/400) was 'Leslie Crabbe'.

One the last of the first generation types to stay in service, as the Class was run down their final days were spent based at Bletchley and Haymarket until 1999.

Three vehicles were converted into a water-jetting train (an alternative to sandite) for Chiltern Railways, and many vehicles were preserved.