Do heritage dmu's ever run on mainline routes? I've always fancied the idea of a 104 or 105 running the colne to Preston line like when I was a kid, but I'd imagine it's a safety aspect that prevents certification for mainline running, forgive my ignorance haven't been an enthusiast for long, thanks.
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Heritage dmus on mainline tours
- Thread starter Bcn1973
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The Branch Line Society used to run railtours using for example Class 101s back in the 70s.
I like the 104s&105s as they were mainly the ones that ran local to me, used to often ride in the guards van bit as my younger sister was in a pram
Bit far away from me, but definitely on the to do list
I've been on a 104 on the East Lanks. The subdued tungsten lighting would be just the thing for a dusky trip from Ribblehead.
They weren't exactly heritage then though were they as they were still in revenue service!
pdeaves
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I would love to see heritage DMUs on tours. However, I recognise that such stock would likely be limited length, which would limit the number of passengers and thus the viability of a tour.
Speaking of the BLS they managed a few bubble car tours with Chiltern before the 121s were finally withdrawn. Didn't one of them make it all the way to Marylebone?
Journeyman
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The Hastings DEMU is suitable for main line use as the engine rooms at each end form effective "crumple zones", improving safety in the event of a collision, and it's been fitted with central door locking and modern safety features such as TPWS and "black box" recorders. It was an expensive job, but it's kept it running successfully.
Diesel-mechanical units are, I think, bit of a different kettle of fish as they were somewhat more lightly constructed, so I don't know if there would be crashworthiness concerns.
The Swindon Class 126 at Bo'ness would be a wonderful candidate for main line running, especially once the buffet car is restored. The job they've done on that is superb.
Diesel-mechanical units are, I think, bit of a different kettle of fish as they were somewhat more lightly constructed, so I don't know if there would be crashworthiness concerns.
The Swindon Class 126 at Bo'ness would be a wonderful candidate for main line running, especially once the buffet car is restored. The job they've done on that is superb.
unfortunately, its never going to happen, Swanage excepted, possibly a few other similar restricted arrangements in the coming decades.
The crashworthiness of some 1st gen isn't as good as Mk1 coaches, DMUs have a lot of doors (secondary locking arrangements?), opening windows (leaning out opportunities?), AWS/TPWS required, along with OTMR and data recording, remember they are all max speed 70mph and vacuum braked so what is the contingency plan if it fails with limited pathing, limited train length, minimal catering opportunities so limited income, most charters make money from the dining elements, which makes the charter worth running.
Don't get me wrong, would love to see A 127 depart St Pancras, a 115 at Marylebone and even a 114 doing Sheffield - Skegness, but can't see it ever happening. however, if anyone with plenty of £ does come along, I can help with the previously mention units availability...
The crashworthiness of some 1st gen isn't as good as Mk1 coaches, DMUs have a lot of doors (secondary locking arrangements?), opening windows (leaning out opportunities?), AWS/TPWS required, along with OTMR and data recording, remember they are all max speed 70mph and vacuum braked so what is the contingency plan if it fails with limited pathing, limited train length, minimal catering opportunities so limited income, most charters make money from the dining elements, which makes the charter worth running.
Don't get me wrong, would love to see A 127 depart St Pancras, a 115 at Marylebone and even a 114 doing Sheffield - Skegness, but can't see it ever happening. however, if anyone with plenty of £ does come along, I can help with the previously mention units availability...
Journeyman
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Agreed, the Hastings DEMU is a special case because it has a comfortable interior suitable for long-distance runs and is heavily constructed for crash resistance. It can also be rescued by an air-braked loco and has reasonably good catering facilities available.
The pure enthusiast railtour market has shrunk somewhat, to the point where most "normals" wouldn't touch a DMU with a barge-pole because it would be seen as far too grotty. The money-makers now are the premium dining trains, and if it has Flying Scotsman on the front, you can more or less charge what you like.
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