Class 104 BRC&W 2, 3 & 4-car DMUs

Single Engine Conversion DM352

One power twin set (M50446 / M50521) was converted at Doncaster Works in 1982 and would become M78851 (DHBS) and M78601 (DHC). The work involved the removal of one engine and drive train from each vehicle, an an attempt to reduce running and maintenance costs.

The image shows the set in ex-works condition after it's conversion to single-engined vehicles, M50521 closest, still with its original number, in Doncaster Works on 7/3/82. Jerry Glover.

The set carried experiment number EXP DM352 in the same form as set numbers under the drivers window, a thick horizontal band under the cab windows made the set easily recognisable.

Here are details of the modifications detailed in LMR Traction Bulletin Issue 33 (February 1982):

The image shows the set in Manchester Piccadilly on 19 April 1984. Keith Long.

The vehicles were allocated to Longsight depot and would normally be found working out of Piccadilly station, until 12 May 1985 when they were transferred to Newton Heath depot. Their time there was brief, withdrawal came six months later on 17 November 1985.

Disposal was at Cheetham Hill, where they were cut by BR staff.