Driving Instructions

Drivers were issues with instructions informing them how the prepare, drive, dispose and fault find the various types of diesel multiple units in the correct manner.

The different series issued over the years are outlined here.

Many of these are incomplete, if you can help to fill any of the gaps, I would be pleased to hear from you.

Early / Miscellaneous Editions

When the first few DMU deliveries were made there was at least two booklets issued on railcars in an early series that also covered diesel locomotives. These covered the Red Triangle and Yellow Diamond Derby Lightweight sets.

Some 'experimental' types such as the Battery Multiple Unit and the Rolls Royce engined Derby Heavyweight set E50000 / E56000 received driving instructions not part of any series.

View the Early / Miscellaneous Editions

33003 series

These were introduced beginning in the late '50s, and featured technical details of the vehicles, how to start them, drive them, fault finding etc., and fitted into 8" x 5" plastic ring binders as on the right.

Unlike the later 33056 series, there was generally one for each type of unit (and loco), until the later 2xx revisions when they were all thrown together.

View the 33003 Series Instructions.

33056 series

These were introduced around the 1970s, replacing the 33003 series. These were A5 size, coloured cover with white pages.

The image shows the plastic binder issued to contain these manuals.

View the 33056 Series Instructions.

Traction Bulletins (BR.30059/2)

Not driving instructions, but these were an occasional publication that were mainly issued to drivers and covered topics related to the traction they were driving, such as modifications and reminders about proper driving techniques.

View the Traction Bulletins.