Some interesting facts to ponder over:

  Weights
If all cars are coupled together the total weight, unladen, ie no passengers or luggage, is 128 tons. Power cars at 28 tons and non-powered units at 22 tons.

  Aluminium Superstructure
These cars were given the type designation number of class 108 and are of aluminium construction, except for the cab ends which are steel.

Aluminium technology of the 1950's had not progressed sufficiently to allow the process of 'cold forming'  without additional strengthening.

  Diesel Engines

The engines work on the compression-ignition principle and are rated at 150 hp. When all six are in service (2 engines in each power car) the total installed power is a mighty 900 hp.

Each engine is lubricated with 6.25 gallons of oil and 11 gallons of coolant are used to dissipate the heat being generated.

  Fuel
For every engine there is a diesel fuel tank of 88 gallons capacity whilst the un-powered cars also require fuel tanks for passenger heating requirements. These tanks are larger still at 120 gallons capacity. With all tanks full the total fuel carried is 648 gallons. Imagine having to 'fill her up' down at your local filling station at nearly 100 pence per litre !

  Control
The DMU is controlled from the front cab by the driver with all control signals delivered by wire (an early form of 'fly-by-wire' ?)  to each car in response to the driver's commands, and hence the generic term diesel multiple unit. A maximum of six power cars can form one complete train. This was achieved on the Severn Valley Railway during the Railcar50 event in 2004.

  Water
Clean water for the lavatories is supplied from roof mounted tanks of 100 gallon capacity. Car 56208 now has a floor mounted water tank the top of which now usefully acts as a luggage storage area. Drinkable water for the kitchen and buffet car is separate and carried in floor mounted sealed tanks.

  Electrical System
All train electrical systems work on the 24 volt dc principle, including lights and heating, just like modern commercial vehicles and buses.

Electricity for kitchen and buffet use comes in at 230 volts ac from an on-board generator.

  Train Crew
Normally, the train is staffed by 11 volunteer crew who give their time free of charge to look after the passengers. When the train operates each Saturday evening  a further seven volunteers are required, including  driver, guard, ticket inspector and signalmen.

  1950's DMU Replacement
....... and finally, a view of the type of train that replaced the 1950's design of DMU on the national network. This one ventured onto the Severn Valley Railway on a special occasion during 1987.