Class 120 Swindon Cross-Country 3-car sets

Totalling 194 cars, three batches of these Cross-Country sets were built, 49 sets in 1958 for the WR, 7 in 1959 for the ScR, and further 9 sets in 1961 for the WR. Their general reliability and good braking characteristics made them popular with drivers.

British Railways placed the order with BUT in summer 56 for the equipment required for the 98 power cars and 47 trailers of the first batch. The order, along with equipment ordered by Cravens for 66 power cars and the 3 parcels cars, was valued at £830,000.

The first batch was ordered for the WR's West Country dieselisation scheme, which it hoped to complete by the end of 1959. The sets were expected to work between Bristol & South Devon.

In February 1959 the BTC place an order with BUT for the equipment for the seven ScR sets, along with equipment for Class 108s and 127s being built at Derby. These 120s were to work mainly on the Aberdeen to Inverness line although appearances at Oban were not unknown.

Otherwise the cars worked mainly in the Western and Midland Regions.

Some cars had a trial refurbishment but this was found to be too expensive, meaning an early withdrawal for most of the class. The final vehicles survived until 1989.