Vehicle 55034 / 977828

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Class 121

Builder: Pressed Steel
Layout: High Density
Length: 64ft
Coupling Code: Blue Square
Coupling Type: Screw
Gangway Type: None
Engines: AEC 150hp
Transmission: Mechanical
Lot Number: 30518
Diagram: 512

Allocations

Jan-61	New to	82B (Bristol Marsh Junction)
Nov-64	Transferred to	86A (Cardiff Canton)
4w/e 04/05/68	Transferred to	84A (Laira)
Aug-68	Transferred to	82A (Bristol Bath Road)
Nov-68	Transferred to	84A (Laira)
2w/e 28/02/71	Transferred to	82A (Bristol Bath Road)
06/05/73	Depot code change	BR
3w/e 07/05/77	Stored
3w/e 29/07/78	Reinstated	RG (Reading)
11/05/86	Transferred to	TS (Tyseley)
30/09/92	To departmental stock	TS (Tyseley)
4w/e 20/07/96	Withdrawn
22/01/09	Reinstated	AL
May-17	Withdrawn from	AL

Notes

2017 - sold to Locomotive Services Limited as a route learning vehicle.

The vehicle carried the following numbers:

55034 - original number
977828 - from Oct-92 (departmental stock)

Department Use as DB977828

Sandite From 10/92 to 6/96. Carried set number T004

Modifications

circa Jul-70 - Dual AWS fitted
p/e 25/06/77 - WR AWS removed
p/e 25/06/79 - Leyland engines fitted

Refurbished

At Swindon Works dated 17/05/1979 released in white/blue stripe livery - Only Class 121 MBS to receive blue stripe livery, along with DTS 56283

55034 was involved in the following incident:

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01/03/90 - Stourbridge Town, LMR

Collision involving Class 121

Info from Rail 22/03/22 p6

The 14:46 Stourbridge Junction - Stourbridge Town worked by 55034 failed to stop on arrival at the terminus, demolishing the buffer stop and bus station retaining wall. The vehicle only suffered minor damage and was recovered on the afternoon of the 2nd.

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Disposal

Preserved - would be returned to mainline use - more details.

Some sample formations the vehicle has been noted in:

CAT103	55034								Listed at 86A - mid-Oct-65
	55034								Noted 24/08/1971 - at Bristol1
	55034								Noted 22/06/74 - on 16:18 Bristol TM-Severn Beach
B134	55034								Listed at BR - 01/05/1976
	55034								Noted 15/05/76 - on 2B51 1942 Bristol TM-Severn Beach
B134	55034								Listed at BG - 31st December 1977
L134	55034								Listed at RG - 03/03/80
L134	55034								Noted circa 04/19822
L134	55034								Listed at RG - 15/12/1982
	55034	54280							Noted circa 01/19842
L134	55034								Listed at RG - 01/01/85
	55034	54287							Noted circa 12/19852
TS084	55034								Noted circa 06/19862
TS084	55034								Listed at Tyseley - Summer 1986
	55034								Noted 27/09/86 - on 14:59 Stourbridge Jct - Stourbridge Town and 15:11 return3
T084	55034								Listed at TS - Jul-87
T134	55034								Noted circa 01/19882
T134	55034								Listed at Tyseley - 7th April 1988
T134	55034								Noted circa 05/19892
T134	55034								Listed at TS - 01/09/89
T014	55034								Listed at TS - 01/12/89
T014	55034								Listed at TS - mid May-90
T014	55034								Noted circa 12/19902
T014	55034								Listed at TS - Jul-91
T014	55034								Listed at TS - Aug-91
T014	55034								Listed at TS - Dec-91
	55034								Noted 02/06/92 - on 2B37 21:45 21:45 Sheffield - Retford and 2B38 22:37 Retford - Sheffield4
T014	55034								Listed at TS - 02/07/92
T134	977828	877829							Noted 06/12/92 - at Norwich, set number 004 on 9778295
	977828	977829							Noted 02/04/93 - at Norwich5
T004	977828	977829							Listed at TS - 08/11/93 - sandite
	55034								Noted 07/10/13 - on 2A85 10:00 Princes Risborough - Aylesbury4

Formation Sources
1: Jeremy Goodyear
2: Eddie Knorn
3: Martin Baumann
4: David Bellamy
5: Gerald Brown

Images:

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13th August 1968

Pressed Steel bubble W55034 at Looe on 13 August 1968. David Mant.

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8th March 1975

Set number: B134

Sat 8 Mar 1975 at 12:43. Front of Pressed Steel 1-car dmu No W55034 at Bridport after arriving as [2B54] the 12:17 from Maiden Newton. Mr Deltic.

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8th March 1975

Set number: B134

Sat 8 Mar 1975 at 12:41. Front of Pressed Steel 1-car dmu No W55034 at Bridport after arriving as [2B54] the 12:17 from Maiden Newton. The Bridport branch was closed to passenger trains from Mon 5th May 1975. Mr Deltic.

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8th March 1975

Set number: B134

Sat 8 Mar 1975 at 12:40. Pressed Steel 1-car dmu No W55034 at Bridport after arriving as [2B54] the 12:17 Maiden Newton-Bridport. The Bridport branch was closed to passenger trains from Mon 5th May 1975. Mr Deltic.

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April 1975

Set number: B134

55034 leaning around a curve on the Bridport branch, working the 10:35 ex-Maiden Newton in April 1975. Robert Frise Collection.

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4th April 1975

Set number: B134

55034 at Bridport on the 4th April 1975. Neil Cannon.

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5th May 1975

Set number: B134

Sat 8 Mar 1975 at 12:42. Front of Pressed Steel 1-car dmu No W55034 at Bridport after arriving as [2B54] the 12:17 from Maiden Newton. The Bridport branch was closed to passenger trains from Mon 5th May 1975. Mr Deltic.

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28th July 1976

Set number: B134

Taken with my first camera 55034 is seen at Severn Beach on the 28th July 1976. Ian Buck.

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circa late 1976 / early 1977

Set number: B134

Class 121 Pressed Steel bubble car W55034 is seen at Cheltenham circa late 1976 / early 1977. Phillip Malin.

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6th November 1978

Set number: L134

55034 on the Windsor shuttle at Slough on the 6th November 1978. Ian Buck.

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17th February 1979

Set number: L134

W55034 at Henley-on-Thames on February 17, 1979 before the station was redeveloped - this didn't happen for another five years despite the parlous state of the canopy, propped up with scaffolding. Jeremy Chapter.

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9th August 1979

55034 heads into the Sun departing London Paddington DR Walter Baumann.

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2nd January 1980

Set number: L134

55034 and 56284 at Iver on the 2nd January 1980. Steve Davies Collection.

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25th June 1981

Set number: L134

Class 121 W55034 is standing in for a DMS in a Class 117 set when seen at Culham with an Oxford service on 25 June 1981. Brian Daniels.

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29th January 1983

Set number: L134

Class 121 Pressed Steel DMU 55034 at Oxford, 29-1-83. On Tour With the Class 13 Army.

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12th March 1983

Set number: L134

Pressed Steel built a batch of single unit railcars which sometimes worked (as here) with a batch of driving trailers. This power car ended its commercial life working for Chiltern Railways in green livery as 121034 and was not withdrawn until 2017. On 12 March 1983 it was seen at Oxford. Jeremy Chapter.

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12th March 1983

Set number: L134

Bubble and Squeak. Single car W55034 and a trailer are seen at Oxford on 12th March 1983 after arrival from Banbury. Murray Liston.

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18th April 1984

Set number: L134

55034 takes the place of a 117 power car in this nine-car formation arriving into Southall on April 18, 1984. Stuart Mackay Collection.

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19th April 1984

Set number: L134

Class 121 W55034 in London Paddington on 19 April 1984. Dave Warby.

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22nd April 1984

55034 at Southall R.C. on the 22nd April 1984. Chris Lings.

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22nd April 1984

A view of a busy Southall shed taken from W55034 operating a Brentford Branch Special. Back in the 1980s, the Great Western Railway Preservation Group (GWRPG), which was based in the old Otto Monsted margarine factory next to Southall station, would run shuttles on the freight-only Brentford branch on Bank Holidays. On one such day, Easter Sunday in 1984, I took the opportunity to ride down this rare freight branch in one of the classic and versatile Class 121 'Bubble Cars' W55034. The scene here was taken just after leaving the station, and shows a clear view of the old eight-road Southall shed (81C) which was hosting a number of units (including one of the unique Class 210s) and a couple of shunters. A rare branch line was about to be traversed! Chris McKee.

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22nd April 1984

Branch Line Special! Back in the 1980s, the Great Western Railway Preservation Group (GWRPG), which was based in the old Otto Monsted margarine factory next to Southall station, would run shuttles on the freight-only Brentford branch on Bank Holidays. On one such day, Easter Day in 1984 (April 22), I took the opportunity to ride down this rare freight branch in one of the classic and versatile Class 121 'Bubble Cars' W55034. The unit is seen here after arrival at Brentford Waste Transfer station, which was located a little way up the line from the original terminus at Brentford Dock, on the River Thames. A rare branch line for track bashers! Note the impressive headboard which was used whenever there was a day of Brentford Branch specials. Chris McKee.

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22nd April 1984

On Easter Sunday (22 April) 1984 W55034 was used on shuttles on the freight-only Brentford branch. Here is a view from the train of I. K. Brunel's unique Three Bridges - the combined road, rail and canal bridges at Southall. The location is at the top of the flight of locks on the Grand Union Canal towards Norwood Green, where Windmill Lane crosses over the canal, and both cross over the old GWR Brentford branch. The combined bridge was designed by the one and only Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and is still often referred to locally as simply Windmill Bridge. As can be seen in this shot, the branch used to be double tracked along this section. Chris McKee.

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22nd April 1984

The Brentford Branch Special - alighting at Southall station. Back in the 1980s, the Great Western Railway Preservation Group (GWRPG), which was based in the old Otto Monsted margarine factory next to Southall station, would run shuttles on the freight-only Brentford branch on Bank Holidays. On one such day, Easter Day (22 April) in 1984, I took the opportunity to ride down this rare freight branch in one of the classic and versatile Class 121 'Bubble Cars' W55034. Here is the unit back at Southall station after completing the journey. Note the hand-made steps used to disembark the passengers, as there was no passenger platform for the Brentford branch! A Class 47 is caught 'in action' passing through the station with a down express. Chris McKee.

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7th June 1984

Set number: L134

Class 121 railcar W55034 indulges in a spot of manoeuvering at Didcot after forming the 1102 service from Oxford. On the right, 08640 pauses whilst shunting the yard. 7th June 1984. Bruce Galloway.

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May 1985

Set number: L134

55034 leaving Southall shed in May 1985. The branch to Brentford curves away to the right behind the unit Stuart Mackay Collection.

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8th February 1986

Set number: L134

50 043 has just arrived at London Paddington with ECS from Old Oak Common to sit beside bubble car 55034 waiting to work the Greenford shuttles. February 8th, 1986. Adrian Nicholls.

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circa 1986/1987

Set number: TS084

M55034 in Leamington Spa with another suburban vehicle or set (116 or 122). Date unknown, the TS084 set number dates it to circa 1986/7. Glyn Weigh.

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11th April 1987

Set number: TS084

Tyseley single-car DMUs 55034 and 55003 call at Claverdon with a Stratford upon Avon - Leamington Spa service on 11 April 1987. Chris Morrison.

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15th April 1987

A lineside fire in Hatton cutting had just about been extinguished on 15 April 1987 as 55034 went south on the up line with a Stratford-upon-Avon to Leamington Spa train. I don't know what caused the fire but assume that either it had spread from nearby farmland or been caused by 35028 Clan Line which had worked from Stratford to London Marylebone a couple of days previously. There was a BR man on lookout duties on the down side of the line and he was quite happy for me to join him for a couple of photos with access at the time being easy from an unfenced section of a field at the cutting top. Peter Tandy.

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16th May 1987

A suburban DMU formation departs from Birmingham New Street station on 16 May 1987. The closest three vehicles are bubble cars 55034 + 55009 + 55012. Stuart Mackay Collection.

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4th October 1987

Set number: TS034

M55034 seen at Tyseley during an open day on the 4th October 1987. Malcolm Clements.

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4th October 1987

Set number: TS084

55034 seen on Tyseley depot during the open day on October 4th, 1987. Stuart Mackay Collection.

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24th January 1988

Set number: T134

Class 121 55034, set number T134 is seen stabled at Tyseley on 24.01.1988. Andy Cole.

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1989

Set number: T014

55034 as at the head of a triple bubble formation, the cab of 55033 is adjacent. At Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. Simon Barnes.

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30th May 1989

Set number: T134

Looking a bit lost in Worcestershire countryside, class 121 single unit 55034 is seen here between Stoke Works Junction and Bromsgrove on 30 May 1989 while working a Worcester Shrub Hill to Birmingham New Street service. These were the only trains serving Bromsgrove at the time, a far cry from 2023 when there is a 4 train per hour pattern with electric units catering for the increase in passenger numbers fueled by extensive housing development. Peter Tandy.

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3rd June 1989

Set number: T134

On 3 June 1989 55034 is photographed on the Birmingham to Worcester service from a road bridge south of Bromsgrove station near Stoke Prior. This is a decent location with good views available in both directions and with a shot still available of a train in the down goods loop in 2021 thanks to some much needed clearance of some vegetatiom from the lineside. Peter Tandy.

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July 1989

Set number: T134

55034 calls into Bromsgrove in July 1989. Michael Mensing.

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July 1989

Set number: T134

Class 121 "bubble car" 55034 is seen in Bromsgrove station in July 1989. Michael Mensing.

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27th July 1989

Set number: T134

This was the scene just to the south of Bromsgrove station on 27 July 1989 taken from the bridge known to most local photographers as "Garringtons". At the time the station had a single platorm on the up side meaning that the few trains that called there had to cross over to collect passengers. A single unit, on this occasion 55034, was the usual accomodation for the modest number of passengers on the Birmingham to Worcester services that called here: a situation that had been the case for a number of years. Prominent in the picture are the Lickey Bankers, 37071 + 37032, waiting either for a freight that needed a shove up the 1/37 of the incline or an ailing locomotive or unit needing assistance. The view here in 2021 has changed almost beyond belief with electrification of the line, a new 4 platform station, the removal of the oil terminal and the inevitable construction of multiple housing estates. Peter Tandy.

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29th August 1989

Set number: T134

Class 121 55034, set number T134, is seen departing Nuneaton for Stafford on 29.08.1989. Today these services are provided by a 4 car Class 350 working from Crewe to Euston. Andy Cole.

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29th August 1989

Set number: T134

Class 121 55034, set number T134, is seen approaching Nuneaton with a service from Stafford on 29.08.1989. Andy Cole.

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14th October 1990

Set number: T014

Class 121 M55034 at Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway on October 14, 1990. John Carter.

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7th June 1991

Set number: T014

55034 at Stourbridge Junction having arrived with the 12:05 from Stourbridge Town, 7/6/91. Gazza Prescott.

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Summer 1991

Set number: T014

Class 121 55034 standing in platform 1 of Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer of 1991. Judging by the direction of the sun the unit would have formed the 14.10 to Leamington Spa. Peter Tandy.

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1992

Set number: T014

Class 121 "Bubblecar" T014 (M55034) seen at Leamington Spa station in early 1992. Bob Belcher.

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13th June 1992

Set number: T014

55034 working with T038 (presumably 51808 + 53838) at Hereford, providing extra capacity on the 15:30 ex-Birmingham New St., 13/6/92. Gazza Prescott.

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10th August 1992

Set number: T014

By 10 August 1992 single unit DMUs were not an everyday sight on the inadequate 2 hourly trains between Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon so it was worth a walk to the station when 55034 + 55032 were working the 17.05 to Leamington. This shot was taken just as the units were leaving the station and not long after resignalling had meant that a shunt from platform 1, historically the arrivals platform, to P2 was no longer necessary. The rust on the then little used tracks on P2 can been clearly seen. Peter Tandy.

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1993

Set number: T014

Class 121 55034 in Attenborough station sometime in 1993. Andrew Walker.

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February 1995

Set number: T005

West Midlands bubble 55034, now as sandite 977828, stabled at Tyseley Depot in February 1995. On the left is Class 117 51349 labelled as set 007. Ian Buck.

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13th December 2011

Set number: 034

55034 at Aylesbury on 13-12-11. John Law.

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29th February 2012

Set number: 034

55034 has 165007 and a Ruston shunter for company on Aylesbury depot, 29-02-12. John Law.

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29th February 2012

Set number: 034

55034 on Aylesbury depot, 29-02-12. John Law.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

W55034 arrives into Aylesbury station with a "Quaintonian" shuttle From Quainton Road on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

W55034 sits in Aylesbury station with the 12:35 "Quaintonian" shuttle to Quainton Road on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Class 121 W55034 in Quainton Road station after arriving with the 12:35 ex-Aylesbury "Quaintonian" shuttle on a wet 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMBS W55034 arrives at Quainton Road with the 14.35 ex-Aylesbury Quantonian shuttle on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMBS W55034 departs Quainton Road with the 15.05 Quantonian shuttle to Aylesbury on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMBS W55034 approaches Quainton Road with the 15.35 'Quaintonian' From Aylesbury on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMBS W55034 arrives at Quainton Road with the 15.35 'Quaintonian' From Aylesbury on 7 May 2012 Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMBS W55034 waits at Quainton Road with the 16.05 'Quaintonian' to Aylesbury on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

The interior of W55034, taken at Aylesbury while working 'Quaintonian' shuttles on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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7th May 2012

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 DMBS W55034 waits in Aylesbury station with the 16.35 'Quaintonian' To Quainton Road on 7 May 2012. Dave Warby.

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22nd September 2013

Set number: 034

Class 121 55034 at Aylesbury depot on 22 September 2013. Curly42.

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12th January 2014

Single car Class 121 bubble unit 55034 in BR Green passing through Bescot on 12 January 2014, working 5Z22 1317 Nuneaton – Tyseley (1633a), possibly a road learner for during the forthcoming Proof House works in February when numerous diversions would use the Sutton Park line instead. Image by Richard Hickman. Simon Barnes Collection.

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4th February 2014

Set number: 121034

Three class 121 single diesel units, "bubble cars", were set for transfer from Tyseley Steam Trust to Aylesbury on Tuesday 4 February 2014. I have always had a soft spot for these as it was in one of them that I had my first-ever rail trip when a youngster when being taken by my father to Leamington Spa on an early spotting trip. I didn't know which units were being moved and was pleased when the multi-coloured cavalcade (55034, 55032 and 977873) came around the curve from Hatton North Junction. The train, 5A00, left Tyseley 51 minutes late but after being able to miss out a scheduled stop in Dorridge loop was only 18 minutes down when I pressed the shutter. The sun was fully out at the scheduled passing time of 5A00, went behind some thick cloud for a few minutes around the actual passing time and, naturally, was fully out again by the time I drove out of Hatton station's car park. Peter Tandy.

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19th April 2016

Set number: 121034

55034 in Aylesbury station after arriving with the 17.00 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury service on April 19, 2016. Stephen Burdett.

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19th April 2016

Set number: 034

Class 121 bubble 55034 arrives into Princes Risborough empty stock from Aylesbury on April 19, 2016, in readiness for 2 return trips from Princes Risborough, the first departing at 17.00. Stephen Burdett.

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5th May 2016

Set number: 121034

Class 121 Bubble Car W55034 in BR green livery passes Little Kimble with the 16.19 ECS from Aylesbury to Princes Risborough (5P46) on May 5th 2016. The Chiltern Railways single unit will work four return trips over the single line route as part of the evening-peak time service. Martyn Hilbert.

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5th May 2016

Set number: 121034

Class 121 Bubble Car W55034 (121034) departs from the bay platform at Princes Risborough with the 17.00 to Aylesbury on May 5th 2016. The vintage DMU makes four return trips over the line in an evening which frees up a Chiltern Turbo unit for other duties. Martyn Hilbert.

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5th May 2016

Set number: 034

In its retro BR green livery, 121034 departs from Princes Risborough whilst working the 17.00 to Aylesbury on May 5th 2016. Chiltern Railways had another operational class 121 to use on these services, 55020 is in Chiltern blue livery. Martyn Hilbert.

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5th May 2016

Set number: 121034

Following the arrival of a London Marylebone to Birmingham service and subsequent connection, In time-honoured fashion W55034 moves out of the bay platform at Prices Risborough at the start of its journey with the 18.04 to Aylesbury on May 5th 2016. Martyn Hilbert.

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5th May 2016

Set number: 034

With the signal cleared for the single line route to Aylesbury, Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubble Car W55034 gets underway with the 18.04 departure from the bay platform at Princes Risborough on May 5th 2016. Martyn Hilbert.

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5th May 2016

Set number: 034

Class 121 Bubble Car W55034 in its retro BR green livery negotiates the curves on the approach to Little Kimble with the 16.19 ECS from Aylesbury to Princes Risborough (5P46) on May 5th 2016. Martyn Hilbert.

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18th August 2016

Set number: 034

55034 at Princes Risborough on 18 August 2016 with "Barmouth" displayed on the destination blind. Ian Dinmore/railarchive.org.uk.

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18th August 2016

Set number: 121034

Class 121 "Bubble Car" 55034 in Princes Risborough station on 18 August 2016. Ian Dinmore/railarchive.org.uk.

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18th August 2016

Set number: 121034

The interior of Class 121 55034 taken while on Aylesbury-Princes Risborough duties on 18 August 2016. Ian Dinmore/railarchive.org.uk.

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18th August 2016

Set number: 034

Class 121 55034 in Princes Risborough on 18 August 2016. Ian Dinmore/railarchive.org.uk.

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28th December 2016

Set number: 034

Class 121 DMBSs W55034 And W55020 on Aylesbury depot, 28 December 2016. Dave Warby.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 W55034 in Aylesbury station on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Class 121 W55034 in Aylesbury station on 12 April 2017. The vehicle has just one month to go in its 56 year career. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

Pressed Steel Class 121 W55034 at Princes Risborough on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 034

W55034 in Princes Risborough on Aylesburgh duties on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 W55034 at Princes Risborough on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 034

Pressed Steel 'bubble' W55034 at Princes Risborough on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

In the platform at Princes Risborough on 12 April 2017 is Class 121 W55034. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

The number 2 cab of Class 121 W55034 at Princes Risborough on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 'bubble' W55034 in Princes Risborough station on 12 April 2017 Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 034

W55034 departs from Princes Risborough with an Aylesbury service on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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12th April 2017

Set number: 121034

W55034 heads away from Princes Risborough with an Aylesbury service on 12 April 2017. Brian Daniels.

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26th April 2017

Set number: 034

121034 (55034) at Princes Risborough on 26/04/2017. Waddo Rail.

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26th April 2017

Set number: 034

121034 (55034) at Princes Risborough on 26/04/2017 with a rather hopeful destination displayed. Waddo Rail.

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26th April 2017

Set number: 034

121034 (55034) awaiting departure from Princes Risborough on 26/04/2017 with a service for Aylesbury. Waddo Rail.

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1st May 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 "Bubble Car" 121 034 at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road, on a shuttle service from Aylesbury - 1 May 2017. Lewis Bevan.

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2nd May 2017

Set number: 121034

55034 arriving (empty) at Princes Risborough to form the first of the evening shuttles to Aylesbury on May 2, 2017. The class 121 "bubble cars" ceased to operate these services (and their morning counterparts) after Friday 19th May 2017. Jeremy Chapter.

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2nd May 2017

Set number: 121034

From 2009 until May 2017, Chiltern Railways used this class 121 "bubble car" on the Aylesbury to Princes Risborough shuttle service. On the late afternoon of 2 May 2017 the unit stands at Aylesbury waiting to return to Princes Risborough and not Lichfield as shown on the destination blind. This is a Pressed Steel vehicle, new in 1961 at Bristol. Jeremy Chapter.

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10th May 2017

Set number: 034

121034 at Marsh Lane on 10/05/2017 with 2A50 1804 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury. Waddo Rail.

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15th May 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 no 55034 at Aylesbury working the 16.39 shuttle to Princes Risborough on 15 May 2017. Lewis Bevan.

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15th May 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 no 55034 at Aylesbury with 2Z97 16.39 to Princes Risborough during the last week of operation of Class 121 single unit DMUs on 15 May 2017. Lewis Bevan.

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15th May 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 no 55034 at Princes Risborough ready to work the 2A50 18.06 to Aylesbury on 15 May 2017. The last two Class 121 DMUs, which worked on this service during M-F peak periods, were due to be withdrawn after Friday 19 May 2017. They were the last survivors still working on UK mainlines of the hundred of "first generation" DMUs. Lewis Bevan.

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15th May 2017

Set number: 121034

Class 121 no 55034 at Princes Risborough ready to work the 2A50 18.06 to Aylesbury on 15 May 2017. The last two Class 121 DMUs, which worked on this service during M-F peak periods, were due to be withdrawn after Friday 19 May 2017. Lewis Bevan.

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19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Last Day of The Chiltern Bubble Cars. 55034 + 55020 on 2Z96, the 1450 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury, seen shortly after departure. Waddo Rail.

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19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Last Day of The Chiltern Bubble Cars - 19/05/2017. The very last Bubble Car run / mainstream vacuum braked service train. 121034 & 121020 prepare to leave Princes Risborough with 2A59 the 2033 to Aylesbury, Waddo Rail.

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19th May 2017

Set number: 121034

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecar W55034 shunts in Aylesbury Depot on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

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19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars W55034 and 55020 depart Aylesbury working the 2Z91 11:40 extra service to Princes Risborough on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

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19th May 2017

Set number: 034

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars W55034 and 55020 approach Aylesbury working the 2Z92 12:50 extra service from Princes Risborough on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

The vehicle is mentioned in the following images:

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Date: late May 1979

Set number: L283

Only two Class 121s received the white / blue stripe livery: W55034 and W56283. Here they both are (DTS closest) at Swindon after release from the works in late May 1979. Stuart Mackay Collection.

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Date: 2nd January 1980

Set number: L284

56284 and 55034 at Iver on the 2nd January 1980. Steve Davies Collection.

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Date: 5th February 1980

Set number: TS053

Two brands of bubbles at Oxford on 5 February 1980. On the right is Tyseley allocated M55009, a GRC&W Class 122, on the left is set L134 - presumably Pressed Steel Class 121 55034. Brian Daniels.

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Date: 25th September 1982

Set number: L286

Class 121 driver trailer 56286 is working with bubble car 55034 when seen in Didcot station on the 25th September 1982. Jerry Glover.

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Date: 7th May 1983

Set number: L281

The 12.22SO Oxford-Banbury departs from Kings Sutton on 7 May 1983 formed of 55034/56281. Lewis Bevan.

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Date: 1st July 1986

Set number: TS055

During the evening of 1 July 1986 I saw 55005, 55034 and 55000 leave Stratford-upon-Avon with the 18.30 to Birmingham Moor Street. I often used to spend half-an-hour around the station and signal box in those days and knew all the staff who were happy to let me stand at the side of the track for my photographs. That wouldn't happen today... Peter Tandy.

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Date: 11th April 1987

Set number: TS053

Single-Car DMU's class 122 55003 and class 121 55034 set back from platform 1 in order to access platform 3, having arrived at Stratford-upon-Avon with a Leamington service on 11 April 1987. 47613 'North Star' has brought in an Intercity charter from London. Chris Morrison.

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Date: 11th April 1987

Set number: TS053

Two bubbles, 55003 (leading) and 55034, at Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 11 April 1987. In the down goods line is 47 610, sent by Saltley to shunt a steam special hauled by 35028 Clan Line. Peter Tandy.

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Date: 26th October 1987

Set number: TS233

Recently transferred from Lincoln to Tyseley, set T233 (54024 + 53039) is seen at Llandrindod Wells with 55034 on the rear. They are working the 10:42 Shrewsbury - Llandovery service on October 26th, 1987. Tom Clift.

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Date: 1989

55033 is seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. The blue vehicle is probably 975540, unseen is 55034. Simon Barnes.

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Date: 1989

A triple bubble formation seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. Identifiable cars are 55033 (Midline) and T014 / 55034 (blue grey). Simon Barnes.

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Date: 1989

A triple bubble formation, seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working in 1989. Identifiable cars are 55033 (Midline) and T014 / 55034 (blue grey), the rail blue vehicle is probably 975540. Simon Barnes.

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Date: 1989

A triple bubble formation, seen at Blythe Bridge on a Crewe - Derby working. Identifiable cars are 55033 (midline) and T014 / 55034 (blue grey). 1989. Simon Barnes.

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Date: 22nd November 1989

Set number: T023

Largo logo 37 426 Y Lein Fach /Vale of Rheidol calls at Stourbridge Junction with the 1202 Birmingham New St - Cardiff, substituting for an unavailable class 155 sprinter on 22 November 1989. Also in shot are (centre) class 114 DMU T023 (54006/53036) and single car T014 (55034). Chris Morrison.

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Date: 6th August 1992

Set number: 012

55032 with 55034 at Coventry with the 17:12 to Stoke, a rare working apparently, 6/8/92. Gazza Prescott.

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Date: 1994

Set number: 004

Class 116 sandite 977829, formerly 53093, paired with a Class 121 (possibly 55034) at Norwich Crown Point in 1994. While it carries a set number, it does not seem to be carrying a vehicle number, and the white lining between grey and blue seems a little unusual. John Law.

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Date: 15th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Class 121 no 121020 (55020) and diesel shunter “Lesley” on Aylesbury depot on 15 May 2017, during the last week of Class 121 operation. 55020 was being used by Chiltern Railways as a spare unit to deputise for 121034 (55034). "Lesley" is a 0-6-0DH built by Ruston and Hornsby in 1963 - works number 468043. It is allocated the TOPS number 01509. Lewis Bevan.

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Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern railways Class 121 'Bubble Cars' 55020 and 55034 are seen leaving Monks Risborough at Westmead Crossing with the 2P65 1726 Aylesbury - Princes Risborough on the their final day in service on 19 May 2017. Chris Morrison.

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Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars 55020 and W55034 shunt in Aylesbury Depot on 29 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

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Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars 55020 and W55034 approach Aylesbury working an empty stock movement from Aylesbury Depot on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.

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Date: 19th May 2017

Set number: 121020

Chiltern Railways Class 121 Bubblecars 55020 and W55034 stand at Aylesbury working the 2Z91 11:40 extra service to Princes Risborough on 19 May 2017. Brian Creasey.