The Class 108 was the second of the so-called "Derby Lightweight" DMUs being a lot lighter in construction than other units like the
Class 114. The Class 108 was designed for branch line and local services having a low-density interior and toilets and were allocated to British Rail's London Midland and Eastern Regions [1]. They served as 3 or 4-car sets, some later reverting to 2-cars, until the early 1990s. Some cars with first class accommodation were later declassified to second/standard [2].
| Information |
| Number built: |
333 cars |
| Built: |
1958-61 |
| Builder: |
BR Derby |
| Motor: |
2 BUT AEC / Leyland 6-cyl diesels |
| Power: |
300 hp (220 kW) |
| Formation: |
Driving Motor Brake Standard (MBS)+[Trailer Brake
Standard Lavatory (TBSL)+Trailer Standard Lavatory
(TSL)]+Driving Motor Composite Lavatory (DMCL)/
Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory (DTCL) |
Because of the good condition of the Class 108 units on withdrawal a number went into departmental service and also preservation. Over 30 cars are currently preserved and most of these operational on various heritage lines.
 |
| Two preserved 2-car sets at Bewdley on the SVR |
 |
| Class 108 cab |
 |
| Another preserved Class 108 at Duffield on the EVR |
 |
| Crossing the yard at Kidderminster SVR |
 |
| At Bewdley SVR |
 |
| Another view at Duffield EVR |
[1] Colin J. Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 53
[2] Brian Haresnape, Diesel Multiple Units - the First Generation (Ian Allan, 1985) p. 50
