At the beginning of the Modernisation era of the 1950s, the diesel multiple unit was little more than a concept. A few successful railcars had been built as early as the 1930s, but nearly all trains on non-electrified lines were still comprised of steam locomotives hauling unpowered coaching stock.
The newly-nationalised British Railways set up the Lightweight Trains Committee in the early 1950s, which recommended the introduction of two-car diesel multiple units, powered by underfloor diesel engines and with driving cabs at each end.
The first unit was introduced in 1954 and over the next six years, a remarkable 4600 vehicles were built, by British Railways’ own workshops and several private manufacturers. The new units, which came in many different variations, experienced differing degrees of success, but the unanticipated cuts that followed in the 1960s meant that many types lasted for only a few years in service.
British Railways Modernisation Era DMUs is a collection of archive black and white photographs from the 1950s and 1960s, illustrating many of these early DMU types. It looks at each different grouping of units, including early units, lightweight units, low-density sets, cross-country sets, suburban sets and single cars
Every image is accompanied by a detailed extended caption giving historical detail and further information about the type of DMU illustrated. The book also includes short chapters looking at accidents and mishaps, and DMU depots. 112 pages.