Class 101 DMUs

Class 101 DMUs – 50321, 51427, 53266 & 59575

The British Rail Class 101 diesel multiple units are among the most recognisable and long-serving trains of the mid-20th century. Built by Metropolitan Cammell in Birmingham during the 1950s, these sturdy and reliable railcars became a familiar sight across the UK’s regional and suburban rail networks for nearly five decades. Known for their distinctive design and versatility, Class 101s featured a range of car types—from driving motor vehicles with first and second class seating to brake compartments and buffet cars. Many remain preserved today, lovingly restored by heritage railways like the Great Central Railway, where they continue to offer a glimpse into Britain’s railway past.

All these vehicles were built by Birmingham-based Metropolitan Cammell in the 1950s. On BR they were ultimately given the Class 101 designation and are sometimes still described this way—or as ‘Met Cams’.

50321 is a Driving Motor Composite Lavatory vehicle. (In other words, it has a cab, engines underneath, both first and second class seats, and a toilet.) It came to the GCR in 2003, having been previously used as a Sandite vehicle. Sandite is a substance sprayed onto the rails to help improve adhesion. Towards the end of its active life, it had a departmental number 977900, which replaced the number 53321 it carried when in passenger service. Custodians Renaissance Railcars have restored the number 50321, which it was allocated when first built. The vehicle was built in April 1958 and delivered to the London Midland Region.

51427 is a Driving Motor Brake Second. (It has a cab, engines underneath, a guards brake compartment, and second class seats.) It was used as a Sandite vehicle at the end of its national network career, arriving at the GCR in 2003. 977899 was 51427’s number when withdrawn—but the original has been reinstated. It was delivered in February 1959 to the North Eastern Region and worked in the Newcastle and Darlington area.

In the 1970s, Class 101 vehicles were given a cosmetic refresh inside to extend their service life. This saw the lighting and décor changed. Underneath, any vehicles still powered by AEC engines had Leyland ones substituted.

51427 and 50321 returned to passenger service on the GCR in 2004 (50321 having had its removed first class seats reinstated). It was repainted in 2005 to early BR green livery with speed whiskers.

53266 was withdrawn in 2005 from passenger service in the Manchester area, having clocked up almost 50 years in service. It has been comprehensively restored inside, and is now much closer to its ‘as built condition’. Outside, it awaits further bodywork repairs and a repaint. It is currently envisaged this vehicle will operate as a spare, being added to the two-car set as required.

59575 Met Camm also built ten Buffet Cars to go with its other vehicles. This is the sole survivor. It is a long-term restoration project, having stood for many years as a stationary buffet at a Manchester museum. There will be seats for 53 passengers as well as the buffet counter. Work is steadily progressing to return it to full use as a centre car, between two driving cars.

Renaissance Railcars are also the custodians of two further former Class 101 vehicles:

No. 977897 (departmental number) was 53203 (later BR number) was 50203 (original number as built). DMBS, delivered April 1957 to Eastern Region Hull area.

No. 977898 (departmental number) was 53193 (later BR number) was 50193 (original number as built). DMCL, delivered March 1957 to Eastern Region Hull area.