British DEMUs Classes 203 to 210 between 1983 photos and 1992

Photos and video of British DEMUs (diesel or electric multiple units) taken between 1983 & 1992.

[@riverhuntingdon6659]

203001, ex 6L 1011, minus trailer first and one trailer second. Fitted with two 600HP engines and Napier MS200 turbos as per 3-car sets. Was done up to commemorate the end of St Leonards Maintainance Depot, closed about 2 years after the Jaffa-cake CEPs took over. Eventually fell to bits, corrosion. 3 cars used as Sandite set "1067". There was a "1066", used three cars of 6S 1002. Unit 1013, 6L, used complete on Uckfield line until it too was made 4-car, this time as 203101. Only differences were 500HP/MS100 turbos kept, the trailer first was retained along with blue/grey paint. Most cars preserved by Hastings Diesels Limited, 1066/67 Scrapped at Gwent Demolition Ca 1990s. Various 207's remain on tourist lines, 017 at Tunbridge Wells West. It will soon contain the ONLY trailer composite preserved. It was never facelifted and retained light bulbs. Others scrapped, corrosion, asbestos. Same with class 205s. A few 2 cars left on tourist lines. Rode on the 210s once. Showed what might be done. Thatcher flushed that idea.

[@david-othen]

Great update. Many thanks. I assume that the preserved units are run under diesel not electric power.

[@riverhuntingdon6659]

Quite right, consideration was given to building the SR DEMUs as electro-diesels, so they could draw power from the 3rd rail where it was available. This was dropped as it would've made the unit's axle loading too heavy. So diesel - electric they remained. 1111/205101 WAS reconfigured complete with "63" type deadman control, for possible MU operation with EMU stock, as used on the later CIGs and VEPs and the CEPs with the exception of 7153/1500 which had the old type English Electric controllers as originally fitted to the EPB/HAP fleet and also early CIG/BIGs known as Phase Ones. 1111 never ran as such, we tried it once and blew many fuses and MCBs LOL. At this distance in time I can only assume the 210s were kitted out with the later GEC controllers found on later CIG/VEP/REP/TC units as well as the class 508s etc. The same motorman's controls are to be be seen in the original BREL units supplied to Taiwan and known as "EMU 100" - based on MK2 air-con coaches but fitted with similar trucks to class 313/314/315/507/508 ! Amazing the crap I recall as I say...

[@david-othen]

Great to have all this extra information. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the various happenings. Cheers

[@dgattenb]

i loved bog cars... awsome

[@CSXEMDTrainLover]

awesome train video

[@david-othen]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@CSXEMDTrainLover]

David Othen your welcome and you should check out my new video's on my channel

[@david-othen]

Will do

[@CSXEMDTrainLover]

David Othen cool thanks

[@pega17pl]

(0:34) Class 203 looks like prison train?

[@david-othen]

Not quite - I think it was being kept for railfan trips! IIRC The grilles are to allow air into the engines