Class 124 (BR Swindon Trans-Pennine 6-car)

The Class 124 was the most distinctive looking example of first generation diesel multiple unit built for British Rail. The class of 6-car (initially) units had large cab windows unlike any other DMUs though mechanically did share components with the Class 123 and 126. They were introduced into service in the early 1960s and used exclusively on trans-Pennine services where they reduced journey times by up to forty-five minutes.

In original configuration [2]

Information
Number built:	51 (8 6-car sets plus 3 spares)
Built:	1960
Builder:	BR Swindon
Motor:	2 Leyland Albion 6-cylinder diesels per power car
Power:	1, 840 hp (1, 360 kW)
Formation:	DMC (Driving Motor Composite)+MBSL (Motor Brake Standard Lavatory)+TSL (Trailer Sandard Lavatory)+TFLRB (Trailer First Lavatory Restaurant Buffet)+MBSL+DMC

In later years they often operated as 4-car units, in these cases the motors in the MBSLs were removed and they were reclassified TBS [1]. In the late 1970s they were moved to Western Region and merged with their sister class 123. They operated Reading services in 4-car hybrid units before final withdrawal in 1984. Unfortunately none were preserved.

[1] Colin J Marsden, DMUs (Ian Allan, 1982) p. 78

[2] "Trans-Pennine Diesel Sets", International Railway Journal (April 1961) p. 22