Class 101 'Met-Cam' Profile and Models

101683 at Blaenau Ffestiniog in August 1996. ©Henry Law

The British Rail Classes 101 and 102 diesel-mechanical multiple units were built by Metro-Cammell at Washwood Heath in Birmingham, England from 1956 to 1959, following construction of a series of prototype units. These classes proved to be some of the most successful and longest-lived of BR's First Generation DMUs, second in longevity only to the Class 121, with the final five units being withdrawn on 24 December 2003. The oldest set was, by then, just over 47 years old. The 101s came in two, three or four car units, with two driving carriages one or two of which were powered by 11.3 litre BUT six cylinder diesel engines with epicyclic gearboxes. Being a first generation DMU, they were a prime example of a slam door train. They had a top speed of 70 mph. The 101 DMU fleet was vast with 527 101s and 106 of the related Class 102s being built. The two types were distinguished by the type of engine fitted, but were eventually classified together as Class 101s only. The 101 fleet was used across much of the British Rail network (with the notable exception of the Southern Region - apart from some inter-regional workings). (Information provided via Wikipedia)
Type of Unit	1st Generation Diesel-Mechanical Multiple Units
Builder	Metropolitan-Cammell
Build Dates	1956 to 1960
Total Built	101: 527 individual cars 102: 106 individual cars
Coaches Per Unit	2 or 3
Power Output	150bhp per engine (2 per unit)
Top Speed	70 mph
Passenger Capacity	Varies between 2 & 3 car units
Operated By	British Rail First North Western
Main Duties	Local Passenger
In Service Until	2003
Surviving Examples	41 individual cars preserved