View source for British Rail Classes 101 and 102

{{Short description|British diesel multiple unit train}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}} 
{{Use British English|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox train
| background = #0033cc;color:white
| name = British Rail Classes 101 and 102
| image = 101 L832.jpg
| imagealt = 
| imagesize = 300px
| caption = A Class 101 at {{stnlink|Reading}} in 1989
| interiorimage = Interior of 101654.jpg
| interiorimagealt = 
| interiorcaption = Interior of 101654
| service = 1956–2003
| manufacturer = [[Metropolitan Cammell]]
| ordernumber = {{collapsible list|30467 (DMBS, 51174-51253)|30500 (DMBS, 51425-51470)|30501 (DMCL, 51495-51540)|30587 (DMCL, 51795-51801)|30588 (DMCL, 51802-51808)|30249 (DMCL, 53138-53150)|30252 (DMBS, 53153-53157)|30253 (DMCL, 53158-53163)|30254 (DMBS, 53164-53166)|30255 (DMCL, 53168-53171)|30256 (DMCL, 53172-53197)|30259 (DMBS, 53198-53208)|30261 (DMBS, 53211-53233)|30263 (DMCL, 53234-53245)|30339 (DMBS, 53247-53248)|30266 (DMBS, 53250-53259)|30267 (DMCL, 53260-53269)|30270 (DMBS, 53290-53296)|39275 (DMBS, 53303-53320)|30276 (DMCL, 53321-53338)|30271 (DMCL, 53746-53751)|30260 (DTCL, 54050-54092)|30340 (DTCL, 54218-54220)|30468 (DTCL, 54332-54409)|30250 (TSL, 59042-59048)|30251 (TBSL, 59049-59055)|30257 (TSL, 59060-59072)|30258 (TBSL, 59073-59085)|30264 (TSL, 59086-59091)|30265 (TBSL, 59092-59097)|30269 (TSL, 59101-59107)|30274 (TBSL, 59112-59113)|30277 (TCL, 59114-59130)|30273 (TSL, 59302-59306)|30502 (TCL, 59525-59568)|30510 (TSL, 59569-59571)|30589 (TCL, 59686-59692){{sfn|Fox|1987|pp=8, 10-11, 15-16, 26, 28-33, 35-36}}}}
| factory = 
| family = [[List of British Rail diesel multiple unit classes#First generation|First generation]]
| replaced = Steam locomotives and carriages
| yearconstruction = 1956–1960
| yearservice = 1956
| refurbishment = 
| yearscrapped = 
| numberconstruction = 
| numberbuilt = 620 vehicles ({{abbr|DMCL|Driving Motor Composite with lavatory}}(AEC engines): 97, {{abbr|DMCL|Driving Motor Composite with lavatory}}(Leyland engines): 53, {{abbr|DMBS|Driving Motor Brake Second}}(AEC engines): 164, {{abbr|DMBS|Driving Motor Brake Second}}(Leyland engines): 53, {{abbr|DTCL|Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory}}: 123, {{abbr|TCL|Trailer Composite with lavatory}}: 71, {{abbr|TSL|Trailer Second with lavatory}}: 31, {{abbr|TBSL|Trailer Brake Second with lavatory}}: 28)
| numberservice = 
| numberpreserved = 41 cars
| numberscrapped = 
| formation = 2-, 3-, or 4-car sets
| diagram = 
| fleetnumbers = 
| capacity = 
| operator = [[British Rail]]<br />[[Network SouthEast]]<br />[[ScotRail (National Express)|ScotRail]]<br />[[First North Western]]
| depots = {{ubl|[[Ayr TMD|Ayr]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Bristol Bath Road depot|Bristol Bath Road]]|[[Buxton TMD|Buxton]]|[[Cambridge Train and Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot|Cambridge]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Cardiff Canton TMD|Cardiff Canton]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Chester TMD|Chester]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Crown Point TMD|Crown Point]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Derby Etches Park]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Eastfield TMD|Eastfield]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Haymarket TMD|Haymarket]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Heaton TMD|Heaton]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Botanic Gardens TMD|Hull Botanic Gardens]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Longsight Diesel TMD|Longsight]]{{sfn|Fox|Hall|Webster|2001|pp=186-187}}|[[Landore TMD|Landore]]|[[Neville Hill depot|Neville Hill]]{{sfn|Fox|1986|pp=136-147}}|[[Old Oak Common TMD|Old Oak Common]]|[[Reading TMD|Reading]]|[[Tyseley TMD|Tyseley]]{{sfn|Fox|1987|pp=8, 10-11, 15-16, 26, 28-33, 35-36}}}}
| lines = 
| carbody = 
| trainlength = 
| carlength = {{convert|57|ft|0|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|9|ft|3|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|12|ft|4|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| floorheight = 
| platformheight = 
| entrylevelorstep = 
| art-sections = 
| doors = 
| maxspeed = {{convert|70|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|32.5|t}} (powered),<br />{{convert|25|t}} (unpowered)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.therailwaycentre.com/New%20DMU%20Tech%20Data%20/DMU_101.html|title=CLASS 101, 102, 144, 147, 162, 164, 168, 171|work=The RailwayCentre.Com|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207050240/http://therailwaycentre.com/New%20DMU%20Tech%20Data%20/DMU_101.html|archive-date=7 February 2009}}</ref>
| acceleration = 
| deceleration = 
| traction = 
| engine = Two [[British United Traction|BUT]] (AEC or Leyland) 6-cylinder diesels
| poweroutput = {{convert|150|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} each engine
| transmission = Mechanical: 4-speed [[Epicyclic gearing|epicyclic]] [[gearbox]]
| aux = 
| powersupply = 
| hvac = 
| electricsystem = 
| collectionmethod = 
| uicclass = 
| aarwheels = 
| bogies = 
| brakes = [[Vacuum brake|Vacuum]]
| safety = 
| coupling = [[Railway coupling#Buffers and chain|Screw-link couplings]],  [[Corridor connection|British Standard gangways]]
| multipleworking = <span style="color:blue;">■</span> Blue Square
| gauge = {{RailGauge|ussg}}
}}

The '''British Rail Classes 101 and 102''' [[diesel multiple unit|diesel-mechanical multiple unit]]s were built by [[Metro-Cammell]] at [[Washwood Heath]] in [[Birmingham]], England, from 1956 to 1959, following construction of a series of [[British Rail Metro-Cammell Lightweight|prototype units]]. These classes proved to be some of the most successful and longest-lived of BR's ''First Generation'' DMUs, second in longevity only to the [[British Rail Class 121|Class 121]], with the final five units being withdrawn on 24 December 2003. The oldest set was, by then, just over 47 years old.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://railcar.co.uk/type/class-101/|title=Class 101 DMU|website=railcar.co.uk}}</ref>

==Background==
[[File:BR class 101 680.jpg|thumb|left|101680 in old [[Regional Railways]] livery at {{stnlink|Sheffield}} in 1998]]
In 1955, British Rail published a Modernisation Plan to streamline the railway network, bringing it up to date in comparison to European standards. Steam power would be phased out in favour of diesel powered railcars and locomotives, and projects were put out to tender.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=23|title = Modernisation and Re-Equipment of British Railways :: The Railways Archive}}</ref> BR hoped that by replacing steam with DMUs, costs would be reduced sufficiently to make rural lines viable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nymr.co.uk/br-class-101-diesel-multiple-unit-no-101680|title = BR Class 101 DMU No. 101680| date=2 February 2016 }}</ref>

Since there was no time for BR to issue a standard specification, train builders were invited to submit plans on the understanding that the units could be built and put into service quickly. Having gained experience with early [[British Rail Metro-Cammell Lightweight|lightweight DMUs]], Metro Cammell won a contract and put the Class 101 into production. The type featured a steel chassis with an aluminium body to reduce weight. Five orders for batches were placed for the type.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://internationalmagazinecentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Rail-Express.pdf |title=Rail Express |date=December 2018}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=April 2022}}

Metro-Cammell advertised their new train highlighting the wide availability and modern features the 101 offered. Demand was so high that at one point four cars per week were rolling off the Washwood Heath production lines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/class-101/met-camm-adverts|title = Class 101 DMU Met-Camm Adverts}}</ref> The trains underwent testing on the [[Sutton Park line]] near the works from 1956, before the sets were released to BR.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oldrailwaystuff.com/gallery/|title = Gallery|date = 19 May 2015}}</ref>

The 101s came in two, three or four car units, with two driving carriages one or two of which were powered by 11.3 litre [[British United Traction|BUT]] six cylinder diesel engines with epicyclic gearboxes. Being a first generation DMU, they were a prime example of a [[slam-door train]]. They had a top speed of {{cvt|70|mph}}.<ref name="Diesel Manual, 137" >{{Cite book
  |title=The Railwayman's Diesel Manual
  |chapter=Railcar Transmissions
  |last=Bolton  |first=William F.
  |edition=4th
  |year=1963
  |ref={{harvid|Diesel Manual|1963}}
  |pages=137–143
}}</ref>

==Operations==
{{more citations needed section|date=January 2025}}
In the mid-1970s, the type was chosen for a refurbishment to extend their service life. Vehicle interiors were improved with the fitting of fluorescent lighting, new upholstery and carpeting, and fitting of extra heating equipment. They also had uprated engines fitted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/the-railway/locomotives/class-101/|title = Class 101 &#124; Great Central Railway – the UK's Only Main Line Heritage Railway}}</ref> The work was carried out by [[Doncaster Works|BR Doncaster]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KfowDwAAQBAJ&q=doncaster+works+br+class+101&pg=PA1991|title = First Generation DMUs|isbn = 9781445666419|last1 = Cole|first1 = Andrew|date = 15 August 2017| publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited }}</ref>

The [[British Rail Class 111|Class 111]] was a variant of the 101, having more powerful Rolls-Royce engines. They were built to serve Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire PTE. The 111 lasted in service until 1989, fourteen years earlier than the 101.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/class-111/|title = Class 111 DMU}}</ref>

The 101 fleet was used across much of the British Rail network (with the notable exception of the [[Southern Region of British Railways|Southern Region]] - apart from some inter-regional workings). Notable concentration of services included:

===Scotland===
Class 101s operated various routes in [[Scotland]] starting in July 1958. [[Edinburgh–Dundee line|Edinburgh - Dundee]] was a regular working, with units stabled at [[Dundee TMD|Dundee depot]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://brdmus.livejournal.com/669.html|title = Metropolitan-Cammell DMU (TOPS Classes 101 & 102)}}</ref> Upon [[ScotRail (British Rail)|ScotRail]]'s formation, the units continued in use and were in service up to Privatisation in 1997, with some painted in orange and black [[Strathclyde Partnership for Transport|Strathclyde PTE]] livery.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021|reason=Replaced citation under WP:UGC}}

[[File:Glasgow Central Station, with local train - geograph.org.uk - 2239893.jpg|left|thumb|Class 101 in Strathclyde PTE livery at Glasgow Central.]]
In January 1984, a fire at [[Ayr TMD|Ayr depot]] destroyed six 101s and as a result an equivalent number of [[British Rail Class 104|Class 104]] were drafted in to fill the gap.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

Upon Privatisation in 1997, [[ScotRail (National Express)|ScotRail]] retained eleven units in service, running the [[Glasgow]] to [[Glasgow South Western Line|Barrhead]], [[East Kilbride]], [[Paisley Canal line|Paisley Canal]] and [[Whifflet Line|Whifflet]] as well as the [[Motherwell–Cumbernauld line|Motherwell to Cumbernauld]] services. Although Class 101s were a common sight in [[Scotland]] up to the late 90s, they started to disappear from {{stnlink|Glasgow Central}} high level with the introduction of the [[British Rail Class 156|Class 156]].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} Newer [[British Rail Class 170|Class 170s]] started a stock cascade and the type's withdrawal began. Upon the 101s final withdrawal from Scotland in November 1999, the remaining sets were returned to [[Manchester]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/class-101/decline|title = Class 101 DMU Decline}}</ref>

===Wales===
The type was seen in South Wales working commuter routed around the [[Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes|Valleys]] and [[West Wales Line]] until the early 1990s, and on rural Welsh lines until the early 2000s. In the 1970s, a diagram from Birmingham to Aberystwyth via the [[Cambrian Line]] was a regular route for the 101s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.2d53.co.uk/cambriancoast/DMUs1.htm|title=Railways of North Wales 1975-1983: cambriancoast:DMUs1|website=www.2d53.co.uk}}</ref> From 1982, they were used on the [[Central Wales Line]] between Shrewsbury and Swansea.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b1epDwAAQBAJ&q=metro+cammell+dmu+1955&pg=PT4|title = First Generation Scottish DMUs|isbn = 9781445691886|last1 = Howat|first1 = Colin J.|date = 15 August 2019| publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited }}</ref> The 101s were scheduled along with a mixture of other first generation DMUs and Sprinters to work the Crewe - Holyhead services from the early 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.penmorfa.com/Archive/sixteen.htm|title=DMU's in focus 2|website=www.penmorfa.com}}</ref>

===West Midlands===
Starting on 14 April 1958, the region received a batch of two and three car units. Class 101s were extensively used for commuter services on the [[Cross-City Line]] and [[Chase Line]] in Birmingham and services to [[Birmingham to Worcester via Bromsgrove Line|Worcester]] before being put to work in outlying areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://miac.org.uk/class101.html|title = Railways in Worcestershire}}</ref>

Operating from Tyseley depot, the type was used all over the West Midlands well into the 1980s. Just as with the [[British Rail Class 116|Class 116]] which was also heavily used on the same routes, the 101s were withdrawn from WMPTE service on 12 July 1993 when the Cross-City Line was fully electrified. In all, the 101 served the West Midlands for over 35 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://railrevisited.blogspot.com/2020/01/west-midlands-cross-city-south-the-diesel-years.html?m=1|title = West Midlands Cross-City South: The Diesel Years}}</ref>

===Teesside===
Arriving in 1957 at the newly opened Darlington depot, the 101s were initially used on runs between Darlington and Saltburn on the [[Tees Valley Line]]. Most of the first batch of 101s ordered were allocated to Darlington. The class continued to serve the line well into the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |title=David Hey's Collection - BR STEAM DAYS LEEDS - 2 |url=http://www.davidheyscollection.com/page42.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820025515/http://www.davidheyscollection.com/page42.htm |archive-date=20 August 2008}}</ref> The type was withdrawn 21 September 1989 in favour of [[Pacer (British Rail)|Pacers]].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

===Tyneside===
[[File:Newcastle Central station - geograph.org.uk - 1584913.jpg|thumb|right|A pair of Class 101s at {{stnlink|Newcastle Central}}]]
The initial order of 339 vehicles were allocated to the Tyneside area. The 101s first went into service on 24 October 1956 when seven 4-car and 10 2-car units were delivered. A route from Newcastle to Middlesbrough followed. From February 1957, they began operating a stopping service between Newcastle and Carlisle. A longer diagram between Newcastle and Leeds offered a buffet service. The 101s routes were expanded to the whole Tyneside area, replacing the local steam-hauled services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/class-101/initial-operations|title = Class 101 DMU Operations - Initial}}</ref> This included the [[Alston line]] between [[Haltwhistle railway station|Haltwhistle]] and [[Alston railway station|Alston]] where the class operated until the line closed in 1976.

Later services were run by [[Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive]] and stabled at South Gosforth depot. They remained in service in the region until 30 May 1981 when they were superseded by the [[Tyne and Wear Metro]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2021|reason=Replaced citation under WP:UGC}} At which point, the class was withdrawn and the sets sent to Neville Hill depot in Leeds to be re-deployed.

===West and South Yorkshire===
[[File:Bradford Interchange Station - geograph.org.uk - 333018.jpg|thumb|left|Class 101 at {{stnlink|Bradford Interchange}} alongside a [[British Rail Class 150|Class 150]]]]
An initial batch of 10 units went into service in Bradford in December 1956. Operating out of Neville Hill depot in Leeds, the 101s were used extensively for short commuter services. Because of the relatively underpowered engines, the more powerful Class 111 was paired up with some 101 units, while others were moved to other depots.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/class-101/later-operations|title = Class 101 DMU Operations - Later}}</ref> Occasional services between York - Manchester and beyond were worked via the [[Calder Valley]]. Regular services were run between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield but the units could also be seen in places such as Scarborough and Whitby.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ukp4BgAAQBAJ&q=br+class+101+york+to+scarborough&pg=PT41|title = Yorkshire & Humberside Traction|isbn = 9781445643335|last1 = Edgar|first1 = Gordon|date = 15 February 2015| publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited }}</ref>

===Western Region===
[[File:BR 101 L832 Sarah.jpg|thumb|NSE 101 L832 ''Sarah'' at {{stnlink|Reading}} on a [[North Downs line]] service in 1991]]
From 1967, several 101 sets were transferred to serve the South West. Services from Reading to [[Gatwick Airport]] and Oxford to Paddington were common.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsers.org/dmu.html|title = DMU}}</ref> Diagrams expanded as more 101s arrived in the region with regular runs in the Bristol area. They were stabled at Reading and Plymouth Laira depots, with the units serving until 1987 when they were largely replaced by [[British Rail Class 108|Class 108s]].<ref name="auto"/> Several 101s received [[Network Southeast]] branding and by the early 1990s had been scaled back to running local services between Didcot, Oxford and Bicester.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hondawanderer.com/Class_101.htm|title = Martin Loader's Railway Photography - Class 101}}</ref> However, some 101 units were still working in the Plymouth area as late as May 1993 with the final withdrawal coming in 1996.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.taillampphotography.com/DMU%20Classes%20101_118.htm| title = Taillampphotography.com}}</ref>

Thanks to the withdrawal of other units and types, 101s were paired up with different carriages. From the early 1980s it was not uncommon for example for a 101 trailer to be paired to another first generation DMU driving car on various routes and different regions.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

===East Anglia===
First introduced in the region in January 1970, the 101 units were allocated to Norwich depot and used on rural lines, notably Norwich to [[Sheringham]] and on the [[Fen line]], as well as regular services to Ipswich amongst others. In later years, additional units were based at Cambridge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mandgn.org/Projects/class-101-met-cam|title=500|website=M&GN Railway}}</ref> The Cambridge-based trains primarily ran shuttle services from Cambridge to Royston and from Hitchin to Huntingdon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/c/cambridge/index18.shtml|title = Disused Stations: Cambridge Station}}</ref> However, with the electrification of the region and introduction of newer rolling stock, by the early 1990s they had fallen out of favour and were re-allocated to other parts of the rail network.<ref name="auto1"/> The remaining 101 unit was finally withdrawn from Norwich in August 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://preserved.railcar.co.uk/51503.html|title = 51503}}</ref>

===Greater Manchester===

When the Pacers serving Manchester to Blackpool shortly after their introduction proved unreliable in the mid-1980s, the 101 filled the gap at short notice despite not being common in the region.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021|reason=Replaced citation under WP:UGC}}
The 101s were then rolled out across the Greater Manchester area.

Despite the intention to phase out the type and other Heritage DMUs in favour of newer stock, the 101 proved to be a dependable workhorse. Thirty five units were removed from service by 1992 and received a further refurbishment. At this point, they were repainted in [[Regional Railways]] livery, and had the [[British Rail regional multiple unit numbering|class number]] applied concurrently with several Sprinter and Pacer sets. The work was once again undertaken at Doncaster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nnrailway.blogspot.com/2015/08/completion-special-class-101-railcar.html?m=1|title = Carriage & Wagon News: COMPLETION SPECIAL: Class 101 Railcar E56062|date = 21 August 2015}}</ref>  Along with other first generation types, corrosion of the body panels and [[asbestos]] used during construction was seen as major concerns and were leading causes for their eventual retirement.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.railexpress.co.uk/1013/a-fiery-end/| title = A fiery end - Rail Express| date = 12 May 2017}}</ref>

Once the units from Scotland had returned, they were put into use working the rural lines around Greater Manchester, especially the [[Buxton Line|Buxton]] and [[Hope Valley Line]]s on services into [[Manchester Picadilly]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.videoscene.co.uk/the-manchester-south-class-101-dmu|title = The Manchester South Class 101 DMU}}</ref> It was intended to phase the 101s out of service in favour of  the [[British Rail Class 142|Class 142]] in the late 1990s, but the [[Privatisation of British Rail]] delayed those plans.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

===Post privatisation===
[[File:101 685 at Manchester Piccadilly.jpg|thumb|[[First North Western]] 101685 at {{stnlnk|Manchester Piccadilly}} on 24 December 2003, the last day of service]]
Following privatisation the remaining 101 sets in mainline service fell under the ownership of [[Angel Trains]] and operated by the [[First North Western]] franchise once the units from Scotland had been returned to Manchester. FNW declined to repaint the trains again, and they retained their former liveries. A total of 18 sets were in service initially.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pv4mCgAAQBAJ&q=br+101+first+north+western&pg=PT10|title = Heritage DMUs: The Final Years|isbn = 9781445640297|last1 = Marks|first1 = Roger|date = 15 February 2015| publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited }}</ref> Ongoing problems with the Pacer units and the Sprinters' use on other lines meant that the 101s were called on to continue in service. The 101s outlasted the [[British Rail Class 141|Class 141]] Pacer in service, a type which had been intended to replace the older unit.<ref name="Thomas">{{cite book |last1=Thomas |first1=David St. John |last2=Whitehouse |first2=P. B. |title=BR in the Eighties |date=1990 |publisher=David & Charles |location=Newton Abbot |isbn=978-0-71539-854-8}}</ref>

The 101 was seen regularly running on the [[North Wales Coast Line]] service between Crewe and Holyhead alongside loco hauled trains as late as 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Class 101|url=http://www.zen70752.zen.co.uk/bat/nwc/101/index.htm|access-date=24 May 2021|website=www.zen70752.zen.co.uk}}</ref> The type was unsuited to the route, and was replaced with the [[British Rail Class 175]] from 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 November 1999|title=First North Western - News|url=http://firstnorthwestern.co.uk/news/news.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991128053005/http://firstnorthwestern.co.uk/news/news.htm|archive-date=28 November 1999|access-date=24 May 2021|website=}}</ref> It fell to the 101s to run the stopping service from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent, along with other rural routes in the north west.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.everand.com/article/434699565/A-Second-Chance-To-See-Class-101-Dm-Us|title=A Second Chance To See… Class 101 DMUs - Rail Express|first=D. C.|last=Collection|website=Everand}}</ref>

Beginning in late 2000, the age of the units was starting to tell and the remaining 101s were gradually retired. They were used exclusively on the Hope Valley services until the end of their career. The very last scheduled service for the type anywhere was run on 24 December 2003 between [[Rose Hill Marple railway station|Rose Hill]] and [[Manchester Piccadilly]] at which point the final five units were decommissioned from service, and sent to Shoeburyness for storage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/portfolio-items/class-101-dmu-eastern/|title = Class 101 DMU - 51228/56062 - 'Heritage Railcar'}}</ref>

===Farewell===

Because of the type's popularity and longevity in service, a final farewell tour for the 101s was run in late 2003 which was a railtour of northwest England.<ref>{{Cite web|title=North Wales Coast Railway Notice Board 23 December 2013|url=http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nw1312d.htm|access-date=24 May 2021|website=www.nwrail.org.uk}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
* On 10 August 1961, [[British Rail Class 45|Class 45]] D105 running light to Neville Hill over-ran signals and collided with a Leeds - Scarborough Class 101 almost opposite Leeds East Signal Box. Leaking diesel caught fire and the leading two DMU vehicles (51440 & 59533) overturned, but were returned to traffic after repair. One person was killed, and two injured. The driver of the locomotive mistakenly accepted the signal that had been cleared for the DMU.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1053|title=Report on the Collisions which occurred on 10th August 1961 at Leeds City Station in the North Eastern Region British Railways :: The Railways Archive}}</ref>
* On 15 June 1965, an empty stock train passed a colour light signal and two ground subsidiary signals at danger before colliding at slow speed with the leading coach of the approaching 15.57 Scarborough - Leeds Class 101. Both drivers and twelve passengers were injured.
* On [[Winwick rail crash|11 July 1967]], A 101 working on the 10.11 Chester to Manchester Exchange service collided at a speed of approx. {{convert|20|mph|abbr=on}} with the rear of the 02.00 Margam to Carlisle Class 5 freight train which was standing at the Winwick Junction Down Fast Home signal. There were no injuries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/eventsummary.php?eventID=1476|title = Accident at Winwick Junction on 11th July 1967 :: The Railways Archive}}</ref>
* On 16 February 1977, an express passenger train hauled by [[British Rail Class 55|Class 55 locomotive]] 55 008 collided with a Class 101 diesel multiple unit operating an empty stock train after failing to stop at {{rws|Darlington}}. One of the vehicles of the DMU overturned. The guard of the express was slightly injured. The cause of the accident was that the brakes on the carriages of the express had become isolated whilst the train was moving in a freak event. The train had struck an object on the track, which had caused a traction motor cover to come loose. This struck the handle of the brake isolating cock, closing it and thus separating the brakes between the locomotive and train.<ref name=Darlington>{{cite web |url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoT_Darlington1977.pdf |title=Report on the collision that occurred on 16th February 1977 at Darlington in the Eastern Region of British Railways |publisher=Department of Transport |date=13 July 1978 |access-date=2 August 2019}}</ref>
* On 28 March 1983, the 20.58 Falkirk Grahamston to Glasgow Queen St. service collided with a van that was allowed to roll away and drop {{convert|40|ft|abbr=on}} into the cutting near Eastfield shed.

==Original TOPS classes==
{{Unsourced-section|date=March 2025}}
When [[TOPS]] was originally introduced only the Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) and the Driving Motor Composite (with Lavatory) (DMCL) were classified as '''Class 101''' ([[Associated Equipment Company|AEC]] engines) or '''Class 102''' ([[Leyland Motors|Leyland]] engines). The Driving Trailer Composite (with Lavatory) (DTCL) were either '''Class 144''' or '''Class 147'''. The Trailer Seconds (with Lavatory) (TSL) were '''Class 162''', the Trailer Brake Second (with Lavatory) (TBSL) were '''Class 168''' and the Trailer Composite (with Lavatory) (TCL) were '''Class 171'''.
Later all the cars were reclassified, becoming Class 101.

{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible"
|+ Table of orders and numbers
! Fleet<br />numbers !! Type !! Class !! Seating !! Weight !! Lot No !! Diagram !! Formation (Original) !! Year built
|-
| 50138–50151 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F 45S (2/2) || 32t || 30249 || BR 618 || 4-car || 1956
|-
| 50152–50157 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30252 || BR 523 || Power-Twin || 1956/7 
|-
| 50158–50163 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F 53S || 32t || 30253 || BR 620 || Power-Twin || 1956/7
|-
| 50164–50167 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30254 || BR 523 || Power-Twin || 1956/7
|-
| 50168–50171 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F 53S || 32t || 30255 || BR 620 || Power-Twin || 1956/7
|-
| 50172–50197 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F 53S || 32t || 30256 || BR 620 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 50198–50209 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52s || 32t || 30259 || BR 523 || P/Trailer || 1957
|-
| 50210–50233 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52s || 32t || 30261 || BR 523 || P/Trailer || 1957
|-
| 50234–50245 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F 45S || 32t || 30263 || BR 619 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 50246–50248 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30339 || BR 522 || P/Trailer || 1957
|-
| 50250–50259 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30266 || BR 523 || Power-Twin || 1957
|-
| 50260–50269 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12f 53S || 32t || 30267 || BR 621 || Power-Twin || 1957
|-
| 50290–50292 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30270 || BR 523 || 3-car || 1957
|-
| 50293–50296 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30270 || BR 523 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 50303–50320 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30275 || BR 523 || 3-car || 1958
|-
| 50321–50338 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F + 53S || 32t || 30276 || BR 621 || 3-car || 1958
|-
| 50745–50747 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F + 53S || 32t || 30271 || BR 621 || 3-car || 1957
|-
| 50748–50751 || DMC(L) || 101/1 || 12F + 53S || 32t || 30271 || BR 621 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 51174–51203 || DMBS || 101/1 || 52S || 32t || 30467 || BR 523 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1958
|-
| 51204–51223 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30467 || BR 523 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1958
|-
| 51224–51253 || DMBS || 101/2 || 52S || 32t || 30467 || BR 523 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1958
|-
| 51425–51434 || DMBS || 102/2 || 52S || 32t || 30500 || BR 523 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1959
|-
| 51435–51444 || DMBS || 102/2 || 52S || 32t || 30500 || BR 523 || 4-car || 1959
|-
| 51445–51470 || DMBS || 102/2 || 52S || 32t || 30500 || BR 523 || 3-car || 1959
|-
| 51495–51504 || DMC(L) || 102/1 || 12f+53S || 32t || 30501 || BR 621 || P/Twin || 1959
|-
| 51505–51514 || DMC(L) || 102/1 || 12f+53S || 32t || 30501 || BR 621 || 4-car || 1959
|-
| 51515–51540 || DMC(L) || 102/1 || 12f+53S || 32t || 30501 || BR 621 || 3-car || 1959
|-
| 51795–51801 || DMBS || 102/2 || 52S || 32t || 30587 || BR 523 || 3-car || 1959
|-
| 51802–51808 || DMC(L) || 102/1 || 12F+53S || 32t || 30588 || BR 621 || 3-car || 1959
|-
| 56050–56061 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30260 || BR 630 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 56062–56085 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30262 || BR 630 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 56086–56089 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+52S || 25t || 30272 || BR 630 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 56218–56220 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+45S || 25t || 30340 || BR 629 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 56332–56361 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30340 || BR 630 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 56362–56381 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30468 || BR 630 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 56382–56411 || DTC(L) || 144 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30468 || BR 630 || Power/Trailer 2-car || 1957
|-
| 59042–59048 || TS(L) || 162 || 61S || 25t || 30250 || BR 622 || 4-car || 1956
|-
| 59049–59055 || TBS(L) || 168 || 45S || 25t || 30251 || BR 626 || 4-car || 1956
|-
| 59060–59072 || TS(L) || 162 || 71S || 25t || 30257 || BR 623 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 59073–59085 || TBS(L) || 168 || 53S || 25t || 30258 || BR 627 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 59086–59091 || TS(L) || 162 || 61S || 25t || 30264 || BR 622 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 59092–59097 || TBS(L) || 168 || 45S || 25t || 30265 || BR 626 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 59112–59113 || TBS(L) || 168 || 53S || 25t || 30274 || BR 627 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 59114–59131 || TC(L) || 171 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30277 || BR 624 || 3-car || 1957
|-
| 59302–59304 || TS(L) || 162 || 71S || 25t || 30273 || BR 623 || 3-car || 1957
|-
| 59305–59306 || TC(L) || 171 || 71S || 25t || 30273 || BR 623 || 4-car || 1957
|-
| 59523–59542 || TC(L) || 171 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30277 || BR 624 || 3-car || 1957
|-
| 59543–59568 || TC(L) || 171 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30502 || BR 624 || 3-car || 1958
|-
| 59686–59692 || TC(L) || 171 || 12F+53S || 25t || 30589 || BR 624 || 3-car || 1959
|}

==Preservation==
The Class 101 was one of the largest classes of first-generation DMUs and, partly thanks to their relatively late withdrawal from revenue-earning service, numerous vehicles have been preserved on [[heritage railway]]s, including the [[Great Central Railway (heritage railway)|Great Central Railway]] and the [[North Yorkshire Moors Railway]]. There are only three centre cars preserved: at the [[Severn Valley Railway]], [[North Yorkshire Moors Railway]] and [[Mid-Norfolk Railway]]. No Trailer Brake Seconds were preserved.

{| class="wikitable"
!rowspan=2|Set number
!colspan=3|Vehicle numbers
!rowspan=2 align=left|Livery
!rowspan=2 align=left|Location
!rowspan=2 align=left|Image
!rowspan=2 align=left|Notes
|-
!DMBS
!TCL
!DMCL
|- 
|align=center|101685
|align=center|50164
|align=center|59539
|align=center|50160
|BR Green
|[[North Yorkshire Moors Railway]]
|
|Last to be withdrawn, operational
|-
|align=center|960992
|align=center| -
|align=center|-
|align=center|50193
|BR Blue and Grey
|[[Great Central Railway (heritage railway)|Great Central Railway]]
|
|Stored. 
|-
| align="center" | -
| align="center" |50203
| align="center" | -
| align="center" |50266
|BR Blue
|[[Great Central Railway (heritage railway)|Great Central Railway]]
|[[File:50266 at Quorn.jpg|150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|101680
|align=center|50204
|align=center|-
|align=center|51511
|BR Green
|[[North Yorkshire Moors Railway]]
|
|Stored
|-
|align=center|Iris 2
|align=center|50222
|align=center|-
|align=center|50338
|BR Green
|[[Barry Tourist Railway|Barry Island Railway]]
|
|Operational
|-
|align=center|101692
|align=center|50253
|align=center|59303 (TSL)
|align=center|50170
|BR Green
|[[Severn Valley Railway]]
|
|Operational. Moved to the SVR in September 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Second DMU joins home fleet |url=https://www.svrlive.com/blsep24 |magazine=Branch Lines|date=September 2024|publisher=Severn Valley Railway |access-date=13 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|50256
|align=center|-
|align=center|56343(DTCL)
|BR Blue
|[[Wensleydale Railway]]
|
|Stored
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51187
|align=center|-
|align=center|51512
|BR Green
|[[Cambrian Heritage Railways]]
|
|Under repair
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51188
|align=center|-
|align=center|51505
|BR Blue
|[[Ecclesbourne Valley Railway]]
|[[File:Class 101s at Duffield.jpg|150px]]
|Operational (51188 on loan to [[North Norfolk Railway]] for 2018/19)
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51189
|align=center|-
|align=center|51803
|BR Blue
|[[Keighley and Worth Valley Railway]]
|[[File:Class 101 DMU arrives at Oxenhope.JPG|150x150px]]
|Operational <ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Tom |date=21 October 2023 |title=Class 101 DMU |url=https://kwvr.co.uk/class-101-dmu/ |access-date=21 October 2023 |website=Keighley & Worth Valley Railway |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51192
|align=center|-
|align=center|56352(DTCL)
|BR Green
|[[North Norfolk Railway]]
|
|Operational
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51205
|align=center|-
|align=center|56055(DTCL)
|BR Green
|[[Cambrian Heritage Railways]]
|
|Operational
|-
|align=center|101678
|align=center|51210
|align=center|-
|align=center|50746
|BR Blue / BR Blue and Grey
|[[Wensleydale Railway]]
|
|Last to be withdrawn, under restoration
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51213
|align=center|-
|align=center|56358(DTCL)
|BR Blue and Grey / BR Blue
|[[East Anglian Railway Museum]]
|[[File:The East Anglian Railway Museum 21.jpg|150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|101695
|align=center|51226
|align=center|-
|align=center|51499
|BR Green
|[[Mid Norfolk Railway]]
|[[File:51226 at Dereham.jpg|150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51228
|align=center|-
|align=center|56062(DTCL)
|BR Green
|[[North Norfolk Railway]]
|[[File:The North Norfolk Railway 13.jpg|150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|960993
|align=center|51427
|align=center|59575 (Class 111)
|align=center|50321
|BR Green
|[[Great Central Railway (heritage railway)|Great Central Railway]]
|[[File:50321+51427 Loughborough.jpg|150x150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|L836
|align=center|51434(DMBC)
|align=center|59117
|align=center|51503
|BR Blue and Grey
|[[Mid Norfolk Railway]]
|[[File:Class 101 DMU, L836.jpg|150x150px]]
|Operational (Currently as 2-car only)
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|56342(DTCL)
|BR Blue and Grey 
|[[Great Central Railway (heritage railway)|Great Central Railway]]
|
|Under restoration
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|56347(DTCL)
|BR Green
|[[Mid Norfolk Railway]]
|[[File:101 663 at Dereham.jpg|150x150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|56356(DTCL)
|Non Standard Green and Cream
|[[Barry Tourist Railway|Barry Island Railway]]
|
|Stored
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|56408(DTCL)
|SR Malachite Green
|[[Spa Valley Railway]]
|[[File:Eridge - 56408.JPG|150x150px]]
|Operational
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|50211
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|Regional Railways
|Private Site
|
|Stored, cab only
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|50269
|Regional Railways
|Private Site
|
|Stored, cab only
|-
|align=center|-
|align=center|51177
|align=center|-
|align=center|-
|BR Blue 
|Private Site, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire
|
|Cab only, used as a store room.
|}

== Model railways ==
[[Hornby Railways]] first produced a version of the BR Class 101 in [[OO gauge]] in 1958 which was last produced in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hornbyguide.com/class_details.asp?classid=76|title=Hornby BR Class 101 DMU|work=Hornby Railways Collector Guide|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> [[Lima (models)|Lima]] also produced a Class 101 for a number of years, in Green, Blue/Grey, Regional Railways and Network Southeast liveries. The tooling was used by Hornby following purchase of their assets. In 2007, Hornby reintroduced the Lima version of the OO gauge Class 101 in BR green and BR blue liveries.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Class 101 DMU returns with Hornby|magazine=Hornby Magazine|first=Mike|last=Wild|pages=78|issue=1|date=April–May 2007|location=Hersham|publisher=Ian Allan Publishing|issn=1753-2469|oclc=226087101}}</ref> [[Bachmann Industries]] launched their BR Class 101 in [[OO gauge]] in 2014 and this has also been produced in a variety of liveries

==In fiction==
The Class 101 DMUs were the basis for the character [[List of Thomas & Friends railway engines#Daisy|Daisy]] the Diesel Railcar in [[The Railway Series]] books written by the [[Wilbert Awdry|Rev. W. Awdry]], and the adapted television series [[Thomas & Friends|Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends]], although Daisy is a single car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.docbrown.info/docspics/ArchiveSteam/lococlass101.htm|title=Class 101 Metro-Cammel DMU Diesel Multiple Units British Railway images photos pictures photographs|website=www.docbrown.info}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Island of Sodor - its People, History and Railways |author=Wilbert Vere Awdry |page=126}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://play.thomasandfriends.com/en-us/engines/Daisy.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628000720/http://play.thomasandfriends.com/en-us/engines/Daisy.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2017 |title=Daisy - Character Profile & Bio |website=Thomas & Friends |publisher=Gullane (Thomas) Ltd. |access-date=28 June 2017}}</ref> 101685 on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is named after her.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nymr.co.uk/br-class-101-diesel-multiple-unit-no-101685-daisy |title=BR Class 101 DMU No. 101685 "Daisy" |date=5 January 2016 |publisher=North Yorkshire Moors Railway |accessdate=23 March 2022}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
*[http://www.railcar.co.uk/ The Railcar Association]

===Sources===
{{Commons}}
*{{cite book |last= Fox |first= Peter |title= Locomotives & Coaching Stock 1986 |publisher= Platform 5 |location = Sheffield |year= 1986 |isbn= 0-906579-58-9}}
*{{cite book|title=Multiple Unit Pocket Book|series=British Railways Pocket Book No.2|edition=Summer/Autumn 1987|year=1987|first=Peter|last=Fox|publisher=Platform 5 Publishing Ltd.|isbn=0906579740|oclc=613347580}}
*{{cite book |first1=Peter |last1=Fox |first2=Neil |last2=Webster |date=July 1982 |title=Multiple Unit Pocket Book |location=Sheffield |publisher=Platform 5 Publications |isbn=0-906579-26-0}}
*{{cite book |last1=Fox |first1=Peter |last2=Hall |first2=Peter |last3=Webster |first3=Neil |title=British Railways Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2001 |publisher=Platform 5 |location=Sheffield |year=2001 |isbn=1-902336-19-4}}
*{{cite book |title=A Pictorial Record of British Railways Diesel Multiple Units |first=Brian |last=Golding}}
*{{cite book |title=British Rail Fleet Survey 8: Diesel Multiple Units—The First Generation |first=Brian |last=Haresnape}}
*{{cite book |title=Motive Power Recognition: 3 DMUs |first=Colin J. |last=Marsden }}
*{{cite book |title=British Railway Pictorial: First Generation DMUs |first=Kevin |last=Robertson}}


{{British Rail DMU}}

[[Category:British Rail diesel multiple units|101]]
[[Category:Metropolitan Cammell multiple units]]
[[Category:Train-related introductions in 1956]]