I would like to see many of the first generation DMUs eventually arrive on TSW2 in the future. There were around 30 different TOPS classes by makers the likes of Cravens, Metro Cammell (class 101, 102 & 111), BRCW, Gloucester RCW, Derby, Pressed Steel, Park Royal, Wickham and Swindon Works. They were mostly fitted with mechanical transmission as on the Class 101 but a couple of classes (125 & 127) had Hydraulic (automatic) transmission. There were a few parcels units (custom built and converted) as well as the passenger variants. They could be found in many parts of the UK network on local services as well as longer distance routes with corresponding interior layouts. Aside from these classes, there were also the 7 classes of SR DEMU with slim and regular loading gauge and even a mixed Tadpole version, differing interior configuration and EE engines which gave them their nickname of Thumpers. Lastly although not first generation, were the prototype class 210 DEMUs in 3 and 4 car form with different engines, transmission and layout. We have lots of requests for Pacers and Sprinters (which I too would love to see) but little mention of these units. I'd love to hear your thoughts. As a side thought, the website Railcar.co.uk has amazing technical information and photos of the first generation DMUs. Well worth a look.
A thumper would be nice to see and I'd personally like to see a class 124 transpennine units which were quite unique in being 6 car DMUs. I totally agree with Railcar.co.uk, I could spend hours on there reading and looking at the great photos.
The 124s were later joined by 123s from the Western Region on NTP services after they were no longer required.
I think the sets also shortened around that time also. Do you know when the units stopped running on transpennine services?
Interesting, if they still did regular transpennine services in 1983 then they could be a possible DLC for NTP.
After looking back through old books, I have confirmed 31 classes of first generation DMU from Class 100 to 131. Many must have been near identical to drive having the same or similar powertrain but were different in design, details and layout.
There were also quite a few types of DMU that were withdrawn before TOPS such as the Derby Lightweights. Some classes were more successful than others due to reliability and ease of maintenance. For example, some types were withdrawn within 10 years of being introduced while the class 101 and some Southern Region DEMUs managed over 45 years of service. This Wikipedia page has a list of pre TOPS DMUs: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_Rail_diesel_multiple_unit_classes
