The British Rail Class 107 diesel multiple units were built by the Derby Works of British Railways and were introduced in 1960. The class looked similar to the later Class 108 units but were heavier, being built from steel.
Usage The Class 107s were initially built for suburban workings on the south side of Glasgow and the Class remained in BR's Scottish Region for its service life. When new, a number were used on Dundee/Arbroath services. In later years, they were used almost exclusively on services radiating from Glasgow Central to such destinations as Barrhead, East Kilbride, and Kilmacolm, and—prior to electrification—on Glasgow/Ayrshire services (especially Largs). Most were withdrawn from service by 1991.
Many of the units went into departmental use after being withdrawn from passenger use. The class suffered from a structural problem, however, which could result in the bodies separating from the chassis under heavy braking.
Orders Lot No. Car Type Qty Fleet number Notes 30611 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) 26 51985–52010 30612 Driving Motor Composite with lavatory (DMCL) 26 52011–52036 30613 Trailer Second with lavatory (TSL) 26 59782–59807 Originally, there were no fixed set formations, but eventually, sets were numbered as 107425-449 in DMBS order (the DMCLs and TSLs were formed into the sets at random). Renumbered to 107725-749 in 1988 to avoid confusion of set numbers with new units which also had 4xx numbers. Renumbered again to 107025-049 about 1990 to avoid similar confusion with new s numbered in 7xx series.
Other technical details Coupling Code: Blue Square Transmission: Standard mechanical
For coupling codes see British United Traction
Preservation Several examples of the class have entered preservation.
Set numberVehicle numbersLiveryLocationNotesDMBSTSLDMCL-51990--StrathclydeStrathspey RailwayDonor of spare parts -51993-52012BR GreenTanat Valley Light RailwayUnder Restoration -52005-52031BR GreenTanat Valley Light RailwayOperational -52006-52025BR GreenSomerset & Dorset Railway Heritage TrustOperational -52008-52030BR GreenStrathspey RailwayUnder Restoration ---52029StrathclydeFife Heritage RailwayPurchased from GWR in 2023 and now undergoing restoration.--59791-BR GreenTanat Valley Light RailwayStatic Display
References
Notes
Sources Motive Power Recognition: 3 DMUs. Colin J. Marsden British Railway Pictorial: First Generation DMUs. Kevin Robertson British Rail Fleet Survey 8: Diesel Multiple Units- The First Generation. Brian Haresnape A Pictorial Record of British Railways Diesel Multiple Units. Brian Golding
External links
Class 107 Derby 3-car DMUs on Railcar.co.uk Mikes Trains