Builder: Cravens
Layout: Low Density
Length: 57ft
Coupling Code: Blue Square
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: LMS
Engines: AEC 150hp / Leyland 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical
Lot Number: 30353
Diagram: 529
3w/e 19/04/58 | New to | 26A (Newton Heath) | |
Sep-63 | Depot code change | 9D | |
May-73 | Depot code change | NH | |
w/e 20/07/74 | Stored | ||
6w/e 23/08/75 | Reinstated | NH (Newton Heath) | |
4w/e 06/09/75 | Transferred to | NH (Newton Heath) | |
3w/e 27/09/75 | Transferred to | TS (Tyseley) | |
17/08/82 | Transferred to | NH (Newton Heath) | |
May-85 | Stored S. | NH (Newton Heath) | |
p/e 11/09/85 | Reinstated | NH (Newton Heath) | |
p/e 17/02/87 | Stored S. | NH (Newton Heath) | |
2w/e 14/04/87 | Reinstated | NH (Newton Heath) | |
31/03/89 | Transferred to | CP PSPX | |
17/05/89 | Withdrawn from | CP PXXZ |
26/08/75 - 50812, 51350, 56482, 79100 noted in Swindon Works
23/11/86 - 53355 + 53812 transferred NH->ScR (one source has AY, another HA) as a replaced for the 'Mexican Bean' (based at ED), then cancelled.
Apr-87 - 53355 + 53812 transfer to CH and Leyland engines fitted published then cancelled.
50812 - original number
53812 - from Jul-83 (53xxx / 54xxx change)
Apr-87 - Leyland engines fitted - Published then cancelled
Scrapped by Vic Berry, Leicester
50779 | 50812 | As delivered to 26A - April 1958 | |||||||
50779 | 50812 | Noted 13/08/70 - in Manchester Piccadilly1 | |||||||
50779 | 50812 | Noted 01/06/1974 - at Preston2 | |||||||
51112 | 56267 | 50812 | Noted 08/09/76 - on Tyseley depot1 | ||||||
TS417 | 51124 | 50812 | 56267 | Noted 14/12/76 - at Bury St Edmunds1 | |||||
TS403 | 51110 | 59125 | 50812 | Noted 14/09/1977 - at Birmingham New Street 2 | |||||
50311 | 59129 | 50812 | Noted 04/01/78 | ||||||
50342 | 56267 | 50812 | Noted 28/04/78 - on 12:10 Leamington Spa - Birmingham Moor Street | ||||||
50320 | 59130 | 50812 | Noted 26/01/82 - on 20.20 Hereford to Crewe | ||||||
50812 | 59225 | 50522 | Noted circa 10/19823 | ||||||
50522 | 59225 | 50812 | Noted 13/10/1982 - Worked 08.01 Wigan to Man Vic via Atherton3 | ||||||
50355 | 50812 | Noted circa 04/19833 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 30/10/83 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 26/11/1983 - RCTS Mersey Mariner Railtour 51927-59168-52049 + 53812-53355 + 51939-52054 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 06/01/1984 - on Oldham loop service from Manchester Vic3 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted circa 03/19843 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 24/08/84 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 28/12/1985 - 53812-53355 + 53482-53433 LCGB Moorsider Railtour failed Manchester Victoria | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Listed at Newton Heath - Summer 1986 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 29th August 1987 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted circa 10/19873 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 10th October 1987 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 21st November 1987 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 12th December 1987 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 30th December 1987 | |||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted circa 01/19883 | |||||||
N699 | 53355 | 53812 | Listed at NH - March 1988 | ||||||
N699 | 53355 | 53812 | Noted 05/04/19883 | ||||||
N699 | 53355 | 53812 | Listed at NH - May 1988 | ||||||
N699 | 53355 | 53812 | Listed at NH - May-88 | ||||||
N699 | 53355 | 53812 | Noted circa May-88 | ||||||
N699 | 53355 | 53812 | Noted circa Jul-88 | ||||||
53355 | 53812 | Noted 25th October 1988 |
Formation Sources
1: Gerald Brown
2: Peter Wallwork
3: Eddie Knorn
Class 105 Cravens DMC 53812 stabled in the hole at Preston 29-8-83. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
The Newton Heath allocated Gloucester/Cravens Class 100/105 twin set, formed of cars 53355 & 53812 and the last operational cars of their respective types that were asbestos free, were tagged onto the rear of a Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North service seen calling at Leyland on August 25th 1984. Martyn Hilbert.
The Cravens/Gloucester Class 105/100 hybrid DMU formed of cars M53812 & M53355 was emerging from the Steamport running line and onto the BR connection at Windsor Road Southport on September 23rd 1984. The unit was running a shuttle service to and from Southport Station during a joint BR/Steamport open day. The Gloucester/Cravens twin set were the last two servicable non-asbestos types of their respective classes paired together at Newton Heath Depot. The Sheffield built Cravens machines had a long association with the various lines around Lancashire, and this was the end of an era. After withdrawal the unit was to become part of the National Collection at York, but whilst in store at Crewe South the DMU was vandalised beyond repair, and was subsequently scrapped. The land visible behind the DMU once formed part of the Southport Goods Yard complex and was also the original route of the West Lancashire Railway from Preston to its small terminus at Kensington Road. Martyn Hilbert.
Cravens Class 105 53812 stands in the sunshine at Windsor Road Southport on September 23rd 1984. Coupled to Gloucester Class 100 M53355, the unit was awaiting permission to enter the Steamport Museum running line as part of a shuttle service from Southport Station during a joint BR/Steamport open day. The land visible behind the DMU once formed part of the Southport Goods Yard complex and was also the original route of the West Lancashire Railway from Preston to its small terminus at Kensington Road. Martyn Hilbert.
The final 105/100 hybrid set 53812 / 53355 leaving Preston in 1986. Gary Miller.
The 'business end' on this occasion of the class 105/100 Cravens/Gloucester hybrid DMU (M53812-M53355) at Manchester Victoria during the evening of 17 February 1986, with the driver having a 'power nap' before his departure for Blackburn. Gordon Edgar.
A Blackburn to Manchester Victoria train formed of an Class 105 DTSL M53812 and Class 100 DMBS M53355 with an unidentified class 108 about to reach its destination on 27 February 1986. Although I took a large number of pictures here in the 1980s I don't recall seeing another class 105 here. Peter Tandy.
Class 105 53812 with Class 100 53355 in Manchester Victoria on 22/3/86. Paul Moxon.
A gathering of First Generation DMU's at Croft Street Sidings at Preston on March 23rd 1986. Surrounded by Class 104's (left), 108s (behind) and Class 127's (right), the Cravens/Gloucester Class 105/100 hybrid two-car set formed of cars M53812 & M53355 had been working Preston to Ormskirk services the previous day. The odd couple had been formed when the pair of cars were the last operational examples of their respective types that were asbestos free. When finally withdrawn from service in 1989, the unit was stored at Crewe South pending a move to the NRM, but was damaged beyond economic repair in a vandalism attack. The unit was subsequently scrapped by Berry's of Leicester. Martyn Hilbert.
On an overcast April 5th 1986 the Cravens/Gloucester twin formed of cars M53812 & M53355 accelerates away from Midge Hall whilst working the 16.07 Ormskirk to Preston. The odd pairing was due to these two cars being the last serviceable asbestos-free examples of their respective classes. Martyn Hilbert.
A brief burst of sunlight on an otherwise dull day illuminates the Cravens/Gloucester Twin, as it departs from Croston with the well-patronised 11.10 Ormskirk to Preston service on April 6th 1986. Each of the cars (53812 & 53355) were the last of their respective classes at Newton Heath Depot, and had been paired together for their last stint of service. The unit was earmarked for the National Collection at the NRM, but following withdrawal the DMU was vandalised beyond repair at Crewe South and was sadly scrapped. Martyn Hilbert.
DMUs in Manchester Victoria on July 26 1986. The Cravens 53812 has a red buffer beam, is paired with Class 100 53355, and is working with a Class 104. A Class 108 is hiding behind the red shelter in the left. Jonathan Hazan.
A 4-car DMU formation in Preston on the 28th July 1986 with the Class 105/100 hybrid 53812 + 53355 nearest. Dennis Taylor.
Class 105 53812 is seen stabled at Tyseley on 27.09.1986 coupled with it's long time partner 53355. 53812 was the last Class 105 in service and 53355 was the last Class 100 in service. Andy Cole.
Class 105 Cravens DMSL 53812 in Manchester Victoria, date unknown. Mike Bunker.
Class 105/100 hybrid DMU set 53812 + 53355 departs from Manchester Victoria, date unknown. Mike Bunker.
53812 + 53355 on Chester depot on Sunday 28th June 1987. AndrewHA.
Something i have learnt today about these Cravens units is that they have the identical side profile, the same windows and doors to MK1 coaching stock! Entrusted to working the days Stockport-Stalybridge shuttle services, standing in Stockport's platform 3a is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area, it comprised of a 1958 built Cravens class 105 DMCL (M53812) and a 1957 Gloucester built class 100 DMBS (M53355), both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were the last of their class in service, they were withdrawn towards the end of 1988. 9th January 1988. Andrew J Crowther.
N699 (53812 + 53355) at Stalybridge with a train for Stockport on the 18th June 1988. Gazza Prescott.
Class 105 DTSL 53812 and Class 100 DMBS 53355 (set N699) in Wigan Wallgate station on 24 June 1988. Stuart Parkinson.
Interior of 53812. Photo taken after leaving Lancaster on 23/7/88. The set was working the 09.52 Preston - Barrow. Leonard Rogers.
The 09.52 Preston - Barrow leaves Carnforth on 23/7/88. Leading unit is 51420/54085 and trailing is the by-then unique cl.100/105 hybrid composed of 53355 and 53812. Leonard Rogers.
Amazingly by 1988 it had survived whilst other units succumbed around it. It also transfered to Newton Heath and obtained a set number N699. Here it is seen at Stockport in the centre road awaiting it's next call to duty. 13th August 1988. By this time it was a real celebrity and had a loyal band of followers including myself. Steve Robinson.
Set N699, formed of Class 105 53812 and Class 100 53355 is seen at Blackburn. Tom Clift.
N699 53812 with Class 100 DMBS 53355 Carnforth January 1989 Steve Robinson.
Carrying the set number N699 on its cab end, Cravens Class 105 DMU, DMS M53812 awaits its final journey to the scrap yard in the sidings south of Crewe Carriage shed. The date of the photo is either 18th or 19th July 1990. Behind is its partner of recent years, Class 100 M53355, and a couple of Class 104 vehicles, likely DMSLs M53500 and M53518. Paul James.
53812 (N699) at Vic Berrys, Leicester, 24/10/90. Ian Francis.
Class 105 DMSL 53812 in Vic Berry's Leicester scrapyard on 10 November 1990. Dave Warby.
M53812, M53500, M53518 and 33015 at Vic Berrys, Leicester 11-11-90. Kevin Dowd.
M53812 (bottom), E54391 (middle), E34679 (top) at Vic Berry's Leicester on 6-1-91. Kevin Dowd.
A publicity image (BRB Central Photographic Unit negative W8378-7) showing hybrid Class 100/108/105 DMU set TS411 (presumably 50342 + 56267 + 50812) arriving into Five Ways station on 20 April 1978. British Rail.
The 12:10 to Birmingham Moor Street is seen departing from Leamington Spa on 28/04/1978. It is formed of Class 100 M50342, Class 108 M56267 and Class 105 M50812. Visible behind is Class 122 55006. Graeme Phillips Collection.
The Birmingham Cross-city line opened in 1978 and Tyseley depot was using some interesting hybrid Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) formations at the outset. Class 100 50342, class 108 56267 and class 105 50812 call at Five Ways with a Longbridge service on 27 May 1978. Chris Morrison.
A number of DMUs can be seen on Worcester depot on 20 July 1980. From left to right are a 116, 120, and a 105 + 101 + 100 hybrid which is possibly TS414 50812 + 59543 + 51110. Neil Smith.
M51110 leading a mixed 3 car set, TY 414, which should consist of Cl 100-M51110, Class 101- M59543, Class 105-50812, the last two vehicles having had their first class downgraded to second class only. Birmingham New St, 28th June 1982. Paul James.
Class 100 M53355 + 105 M53812 at Bolton on 23 July 1983. Alistair Ness.
Class 100 Gloucester RCW DMBS 53355 stabled with partner Class 105 DMC 53812 at Preston 29-8-83. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
Taken onboard the RCTS 'Mersey Mariner' railtour on 26 November 1983 at Cavendish Sidings in Birkenhead, Mersey Docks & Harbour Board line, looking east. The vehicle numbers listed on the Six Bells Junction website show that this was taken from 51939 looking towards 53355 + 53812 / 52049 + 59168 + 51927. Stuart Mackay Collection.
On Saturday 26th May 1984 we were chasing units round Manchester and came across 53812+53355 for the first time. In this Instamatic shot it is here at Shaw with a terminating service from Manchester Victoria. Ian Hazlehurst.
Class 100 Gloucester 53355 and Cravens Class 105 53812 were the last two asbestos free types of their respective classes in service, and both were formed into a two-car set for their last period of operation. On August 11th 1984 the unit was departing from Bamber Bridge whilst working a Colne to Preston service. Class 40 40118 was in the adjacent loop awaiting to reverse an engineers train into the nearby DCE sidings at Brownedge. When finally withdrawn in 1988 53355/53812 were destined for the NRM at York, but whilst in storage at Crewe both cars were vandalised beyond repair and were subsequently scrapped by Vic Berry at Leicester. Martyn Hilbert.
25326 rescues a Gloucester Class 100 / Cravens Class 105 hybrid (presumably 53355 + 53812) at Burnley Central 12th August 1984. Robert Forsythe.
53355 at Cheetam Hill with 53812, 24/8/84. Jerry Glover.
53355 + 53812 at Bolton on 2 September 1984. Stuart Parkinson.
On September 23rd 1984 the Newton Heath based Gloucester/Cravens twin set, 53355/53812 was being used on a shuttle service from the Steamport Museum to Southport Station as part of a joint open day. In this view the set has just left Steamport and is heading towards St Lukes before reversing back towards Southport Station. Note that the disused island platform at St Lukes was still in existance, despite the station closing in 1968. This section of line also carried the electrics to Meols Cop, Hesketh Park, Churchtown and Crossens, sadly lost in an act of wanton vandalism and stupidity when the line from Preston to Southport was closed in September 1964. Had the electric service survived it would now be well patronised and could have formed the basis of a park and ride from the A565 near Banks that would have relieved Southport of much traffic. Martyn Hilbert.
Hybrid 100/105 set 53355 + 53812 in Manchester Victoria station circa mid-1980s. Mike Bunker.
Standing in Manchester Victoria on 17th December 1985 with a service for Blackburn is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area. It comprised of a 1957 Gloucester built class 100 DMBS (M53355) and 1958 built Cravens class 105 DMCL (M53812), both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were to be the last of their class in service. They were withdrawn towards the end of 1988. Andrew J Crowther.
The final 100/105 hybrid set 53355 / 53812 leaving Preston in 1986. The top marker lamp appears to have a red bulb in it, and a Class 127 parcels set is on the right. Gery Miller.
The last Class 100 in passenger service M53355, paired with the last class 105 Cravens unit in service, M53812 forming a Blackburnl service at Manchester Victoria on 17 February 1986. This Newton Heath-allocated unit at the time was I believe the last BR DMU to carry a traditional tail lamp, as seen in this view, in place of marker lights. They were at one time earmarked for preservation by the National Railway Museum, probably the reason why they remained in service for so long after the other class members had been withdrawn, but a change of policy at the museum saw them consigned for scrap. They did have a brief spell of fame, achieving celebrity status due to their survival long after other class 100 and 105 units. Gordon Edgar.
'Hybrid' Class 100 Gloucester DMBS 53355 and Class 105 Cravens DMCL 53812 having arrived from Blackburn at Manchester Victoria on 17th February 1986. They were at one time earmarked for preservation by the National Railway Museum, but a change of policy at the museum saw them consigned for scrap. They did have a brief spell of fame, achieving celebrity status with enthusiasts, but I guess not the general travelling public, due to their survival long after other Class 100 and 105 units. Gordon Edgar.
53355 and 53812 are seen in Manchester Victoria on the 22nd March 1986. Paul Moxon.
A line up of stabled DMU's at Croft Street Sidings, adjacent to Preston Power Box on March 23rd 1986. Left to right, a BRCW Class 104 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) M53466 was a the head of a four-car rake of 104's. Next to it was a Class 108 with DTSL M54256 against the block with Cravens Class 105 M53812 alongside. Just visible on the extreme right is ex Class 127 car M55970 in use as a parcels/mail/newspapers unit fitted with roller shutter doors. Despite appearances this was a shot over a low wire fence. Martyn Hilbert.
Hybrid class 100 (53355) and class 105 (53812) DMU departs from Manchester Victoria station on July 26, 1986. Jonathan Hazan.
The Class 100/105 hybrid 53355 + 53812 at Manchester Victoria on August 21 1986. Jonathan Hazan.
53355 Class 100 is seen stabled at Tyseley on 27th September 1986. This was the last Class 100 left in service, and it is coupled to it's long time partner 53812 which was the last Class 105 in service. Both were sadly scrapped. Note the Manchester based Class 504 to the left, visiting the wheel lathe. Andy Cole.
53355 Class 100 is seen stabled at Tyseley carriage sidings on 11/10/86. It is coupled to Class 104 centre car 59153 and Class 105 DMS 53812. Andy Cole.
M53355 + M53812 form the 16:00 Manchester Victoria - Blackburn on 10 February 1987. It was normal practice at this time for three sets would come empty from NH together and be divided in the platform to work the 15:55 Wigan Wallgate, 16:00 Blackburn and probably the 16:10 Southport which would be the Class 104 behind. Harvey Scowcroft / Nigel Valentine Collection.
DMUs at Chester MPD in April 1987. Left to right are Met-Camm 53317, Class 105-100 DMU twin 53812 + 53355, brand new 150-241 (with no yellow end yet) and a Class 108. On Tour With The Class 13 Army.
The Gloucester/Cravens twin on Chester MPD, 53355 + 53812 in April 1987, with a row of 108s on the left. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
A two-car Class 108 DMU is seen on Chester depot (17XX) Thursday 28th May 1987. In the distance is 100/105 hybrid M53355 + M53812. Colin Brooks.
53355 + 53812 rests on Chester depot, Sunday 28th June 1987. AndrewHA.
Entrusted to working the days Stockport-Stalybridge shuttle services, standing in Stockport's platform 3a is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area, it comprised of a 1957 Gloucester built class 100 DMBS (M53355) and 1958 built Cravens class 105 DMCL (M53812), both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were the last of their class in service, they were withdrawn towards the end of 1988, its nice to see that the destination blind is set correctly, a month later this blind had disappeared. 9th January 1988. Andrew J Crowther.
The unique Gloucester/Cravens twin set formed of cars M53355 & M53812 was climbing the gradient from Farington Curve Junction and heading towards the site of the former Moss Lane Junction with the 13.09 Preston to Ormskirk service on January 27th 1988. The disused former Up Line towards Ormskirk was still in-situ having being taken out of use in 1983. Martyn Hilbert.
Standing in Manchester Piccadilly's platform 3 on the 20th February 1988 is a hybrid unit that had a bit of a following around the Manchester area. It comprised of 1957 Gloucester built Class 100 DMBS (M53355) and 1958 built Cravens Class 105 DMCL (M53812). Both cars were asbestos free which was the reason they were the last of their class in service, they were withdrawn towards the end of 1988. Andrew J Crowther.
Hybrid class 100/105 M53355 + M53812 on Newton Heath Depot on 27 March 1988. terry eyres.
53355 and 53812 labelled N699, are seen at Stalybridge on the 11:xx shuttle to Stockport, 18th June 1988. Gazza Prescott.
Class 100 Gloucester DMBS 53355 + Class 105 Cravens DMCL 53812 twin stored in Crewe carriage shed sidings 22-7-89ish. The set was stored at this time pending preservation by the NRM but was vandalised and not thought worth saving. A fraction of Class 104 DMCL 53500 is seen on the left, this car stored 31/3/89 and withdrawn 17/5/89. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.
Gloucester Class 100 DMBS M53355 and Cravens Class 105 DTS M53812 await their final journey to the scrap yard in the sidings south of Crewe Carriage shed. The date of the photo is either 18th or 19th July 1990. Paul James.
Carrying the set number N699 on its cab end, Gloucester Class 100 DMBS M53355 along with Cravens Class 105 M53812 await their final journey to the scrap yard in the sidings south of Crewe Carriage shed. The date of the photo is either 18th or 19th July 1990. Paul James.
M53355 + M53812 with the Class 31 that has just brought them into Derby on 30 August 1990. There were also two Class 104 DMSs in the formation, M53500 (partly seen, note how its jumpers are connected to the Class 100) and M53518. The description with the negative notes they came from Newton Heath, the vehicles had been stored at Crewe Carriage Shed Sidings. They would all end up at Vic Berry's. Stuart Mackay Collection.
08889 backs onto withdrawn DMUs (53518, 53500, 53355 + 53812) and the 31 that had brought them to Derby on 30 August 1990. The description with the negative notes they came from Newton Heath, the vehicles had been stored at Crewe Carriage Shed Sidings. They would all end up at Vic Berry's. Stuart Mackay Collection.
53355 seen at Vic Berrys yard at Leicester on 24/10/90 with 53812. The 104s behind are likely 53500 and 53518. Ian Francis.