Class 127

This is a hybrid unit comprising two different types of vehicle although both were built by British Railways’ Derby works in 1959 and therefore have the characteristic Derby appearance.The class 127 power car no. 51618 has two 238hp engines and is the only one in our fleet to have hydraulic rather than mechanical transmission.  Hydraulic transmission has since been used in the majority of ‘Sprinter’ and ‘Pacer’ units that were introduced in the 1980s so the class 127 was, perhaps, 20 years ahead of its time!  It originally provided commuter services between Bedford and London St Pancras (hence the nickname ‘BedPan’ unit) and, for that purpose, it was built with doors to each seating bay to facilitate rapid boarding and alighting of passengers.  It was withdrawn from service in 1983 and moved to Llangollen shortly afterwards.  It has now worked at the Railway for longer than it worked on the main line!

The trailer car no. 56223 was based at various places including Bletchley, Chester and Manchester before ending its career in London in 1993 and being saved for preservation.