The class was built to replace the ageing GWR railcars on lightly loaded and laid branch lines. As Derby works was fully occupied with the building of Class 116s, the order was placed with the Gloucester RC & W Co Ltd. The units later became TOPS class 122.
The Class 122 is effectively a replacement Class 116 driving car with twin cabs and seats for 65 (all second class). The units were originally fitted with AEC engines and equipment but in later years the ubiquitous Leyland 6/80 150 HP engines and standard equipment have been used. The class had the standard Derby two character head code box situated below the middle driving cab window, with a destination indicator box above the same at each end. The units principle dimensions are as follows
|
Weight |
35 Tons |
|
Length of Frame |
63 ft 5 ins |
|
Length over Body |
64 ft 5 ins |
|
Length over Buffers |
67 ft 1 in |
|
Bogie Wheelbase |
8 ft 6 ins |
|
Height (max) |
12 ft 5 ins |
The units took over services originally monopolised by GWR built railcars, but as more cross country and branch lines closed that work reduced. Consequently the class was utilised in the following areas, Bristol, Cornwall and Plymouth. This included local services on the ex SR lines to Gunnislake, Axminster and Barnstable.
Some of the units were then tried in Scotland, principally around the Ayr area, which resulted in a total of seven units being utilised by 1970. The units involved were 55002, 5 , 7, 11, 13, 14, and 15. Three of these units, 55013, 14 and 15 were later rebuilt as parcel cars in 1971.
Excepting 55001, the other units were cascaded to the West Midlands based on Tyseley, where they were used on local services most notably the Leamington Spa to Strafford-upon Avon route. 55001 was withdrawn in 1969 and was used as a departmental route learning vehicle. In 1984 units 55005 and 55006 were moved to Longsight, Manchester to replace life expired Class 108s on the Stockport to Stalybridge service.
In 1987 problems with the Class 142 "Pacers/Skippers' on the West Country branches resulted in a belated reprieve for units 55000, 5, 6 9 and 12. The diagrams in the West Midlands were rearranged and the units were sent to Vic Barry's in Leicester for asbestos removal. 55003 is still plated as having such work carried out. The units worked the Cornish branch lines to Looe, Newquay and St Ives until withdrawal.
In 1988 55004, 9 and 11 were transferred to Blechley for work on the St. Albans and Bedford branches. 55003 was withdrawn on 10th August 1993 and 55006 and 55009 on 6th September 1993 from Penzance depot (official BR withdrawal date is given as 20th September for all three units). 55000 and 5012 lasted until 23nd December 1993 (official withdrawal date 10th January 1994). They were sent into store at Blackpool (February 1994).
By 19th September 1995 all five had been moved to MC Metals at Glasgow. Here the units have had the asbestos removed for a second time before sale into the private sector - the original certificates having been 'lost'. 55001 was withdrawn from service at Longsight Manchester and sold direct into the private sector.
In May 1996 55019 survives as departmental Sandite unit, 55012 is in use by Landhaul as a route learning vehicle and 55000, 1, 3, 5,6 and 9 are now in private hands.
55001 and 55003 are owned by Ian MacDonald and are resident on the Northampton & Lamport Railway.
Written and © copyright by Ian McDonald.
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Last Amended: 14-Feb-2006
Copyright © Northampton & Lamport Railway 1996-2006