Class 117 Profile and Models

Class 117

Class 117 L428 ©Steve Jones

The Class 117 DMUs were produced by Pressed Steel in the late 1950s/ early 60s and were based on the similar Class 121 "Bubble Car". They were originally intended for use on suburban services out of London Paddington where they spent several decades. During the 1980s, some moved to Birmingham and Scotland prior to the introduction of newer rolling stock. Like other first generation multiple units, the Class 117s had a long lifespan, with the final units bowing out in 2000. Due to their longevity, many can still be seen at heritage lines across the UK.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

2 or 3-car Diesel-Mechanical Multiple Unit

Builder

Pressed Steel Company

Build Dates

1959 to 1961

Total Built

123 Individual Cars

Power Output

600 hp
(2 x 150hp engines per power car)

Top Speed

70 mph

Operated By

British Rail
ScotRail
Silverlink

Main Duties

Local Passenger

In Service Until

2000

Surviving Examples

12 Units (35 Individual Cars)