Class 101 Met-Camm 2,3 & 4-car DMUs

Departmental use

Ultrasonic Test Train

In 1987 a new Ultrasonic Test Train was built at Cardiff Cathays Works to replace the 1970 Derby Lightweight conversion. It used DMBS vehicles 51433 and 53167 with ex SR EMU car 62483 between, the new departmental running numbers becoming 977391 / 999602 / 977392 (set 960001). A third 101 vehicle (DMBS 53246, renumbered 977393) was acquired for conversion but in the event was not used, remaining at Cathays Works until its closure in 1990 and was then moved to Radyr to await disposal.

The image shows the set at Buxton on 22nd April 1993. It would carry a variety of liveries after the one shown; Serco grey / red, Railtrack green / blue and all-over yellow before withdrawal in 2008. Andrew J Crowther.

The power cars have also been noted running with the Mark 2f Track Recording coach 999550 in between - as seen in this image at Edinburgh Waverley in December 1991.

Iris II

Vehicles 53222 (977693) and 53338 (977694) became "LAB 19" IRIS II in 1991, allocated to the Derby Technical Centre (code ZA). Initially they were in a two-tone grey livery, then painted into Serco colours (as seen in the image at Crewe on 15.10.1998 Andy Cole), Railtrack lime green / blue, and finally Railtrack yellow. They were withdrawn in 2008.

Sandite and Route Learning Vehicles

At the end of 1987 three DMBS vehicles were converted for Sandite / Route learning use, along with three Class 111 DMBS vehicles. These were notable as they were the first DMU power cars converted for sandite use, all previous vehicles were driver trailers and probably loco hauled. They were also the first Eastern Region Sandite DMUs, and the first sandite DMU conversions to have a dual purpose.

977535 (ex-50259) + 977536 (ex-50295) would be based at Heaton, while 977537 (ex-50320) would be based at Neville Hill paired with Class 111 977538.

In time other vehicles would also be converted:

And a further five sets in 1993, now with set numbers:

The image shows sandite / route learner set 960 995 (977903 / 977904) at Bolton on 28 May 1994. 977903 still carries set number 88 from its Norwich days as 53208. S Gaskell.

Although not renumbered two Heaton sets were noted in route learning use in 1994:
53305 + 51246
51208 + 51221

Internal User

The only non-powered 101 vehicle to enter non-passenger use was DTC 56342 which became an internal user vehicle. It was used as an office in Neville Hill depot.

Serco tractor unit

NSE liveried set L842 (53314/53327) was used as a 'Serco tractor unit' circa 1998/9 to power 975010 Iris when its AEC engines became unreliable.