British Rail Class 128

British diesel multiple unit for parcels From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The British Rail Class 128 was a class of diesel multiple unit, built for British Rail. Introduced in 1959, ten of the class were built by Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company, each with two 230 hp British United Traction - Albion engines.[8] The class was built specifically for parcels, fitted out with parcel racks and bike storage at each end, and did not feature any passenger accommodation. The last members of the class were withdrawn in 1990 and broken up the following year, and none were preserved.

In service1959–1990
ManufacturerGloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Order nos.
  • 30551 (55991-55996)
  • 30552 (55987-55990)[1]
Family nameFirst generation
Quick facts In service, Manufacturer ...
British Rail Class 128
M55989 Post Office motor parcels van at Manchester Victoria, 1982
In service1959–1990
ManufacturerGloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Order nos.
  • 30551 (55991-55996)
  • 30552 (55987-55990)[1]
Family nameFirst generation
ReplacedSteam locomotives and carriages
Constructed1959-1960[2]
Entered service1959[3]
Scrapped1971-1991
Number built10
Number scrappedAll
FormationSingle car:
DMPMV[2]
Diagram
  • DX501 or BR643
  • DX502 or BR644[4]
Fleet numbers55987-55996[5]
CapacityLuggage space only[3]
OperatorBritish Rail
Depots
Lines servedWestern Region (1960-1988)
London Midland Region
Eastern Region (1988-1990)
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel[4]
Car length64 ft 6+1⁄8 in (19.663 m) (over body)[4]
Width9 ft (2.7 m) (over body at waist)[4]
Height12 ft 8+1⁄4 in (3.867 m) (over vents)[4]
Floor height4 ft 3+7⁄16 in (1.307 m)[4]
DoorsSlam for cab, sliding for luggage[3]
Wheelbase
  • 46 ft 6 in (14.17 m) (bogie centres)
  • 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) (bogies)[4]
Maximum speed70 mph (110 km/h)[4]
Weight
  • 41.5 tonnes (40.8 long tons; 45.7 short tons) (Diagram DX501)
  • 40.5 tonnes (39.9 long tons; 44.6 short tons) (Diagram DX502)[4]
Prime mover2 × 230 hp (170 kW) Leyland Albion RE901[4][7]
Engine typeDiesel
Cylinder count6 (horizontal)[4]
Power output460 hp (340 kW)[3]
TransmissionMechanical[4]
HVACOil burning air heater[4]
UIC classificationBo'Bo'
BogiesDerby[7]
Braking systemVacuum[4]
Safety systemAWS[4]
Coupling systemScrew[4]
Multiple working■ Blue Square[4]
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
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Numbering

More information Lot No., Type ...
Table of orders and numbers
Lot No.TypeDiagramQtyFleet numbersNotes
30551Gangwayed Motor Parcels Van643 or DX5016W55991–W55996Worked on the Western Region
30552Non-gangwayed Motor Parcels Van644 or DX5024M55987–M55990Worked on the London Midland Region
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Livery

  • British Rail Green Livery, 1967
    British Rail Green Livery, 1967
  • British Rail Blue livery, 1982
    British Rail Blue livery, 1982
  • Royal Mail Livery, 1990
    Royal Mail Livery, 1990

Operation

Introduced in 1959, the Class 128s were given the TOPS classification DXV in 1973. By 1978, the initial unit M55987 had been withdrawn, and four of the six units originally intended for use on the Western Region had moved to the Midland Region.[6]

Models

Heljan have produced a 00 scale model in British Railways all over green, Rail Blue and Royal Mail Post Office Red liveries, although these only represent the later version with corridor connection. By 2021 these models were no longer in production.[9]

In 2018, Revolution Trains announced that they are to produce six different variants of the Class 128 in N gauge covering BR green, Rail Blue and Royal Mail Red liveries.[10]

References

Further reading

External links

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