Posted 10/12/99
This 1950s promotion leaflet marked the first introduction of the then new trains to the Manchester area and sparked an interest which has lasted to this day. The photographs included in the leaflet are given first followed by the original text.
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Colour painting (Higher resolution suitable for
printing, 750k)
"You are sure to like the new Diesel passenger trains which, for local
services, have so many advantages over their steam train predecessors. For the traveller,
the principal of these are the comfort of the new coaches, their neat and attractive
design, their cleanliness and their speed.
The coaches, which have been designed in the modern open style, are light, airy and easy
to keep clean and the seats are very comfortable.
They are operated in units of two or multiples thereof, which can be driven from either
end (with obvious advantages when reversing at the end of a journey) and the two coaches
are connected by a corridor. First and third class accommodation for about 125 passengers
is provided and there are toilet facilities and ample space for luggage.
The units are powered by two horizontal engines of at least 150 h.p. each slung beneath
one of the coaches between the two sets of wheels. Where steep gradients occur it may be
necessary for both vehicles to be powered. Diesel trains, like electric trains, can
accelerate and decelerate very quickly, an important factor in the operation of local
services, because it makes it possible to speed up the services and often add to their
frequency as well.
These trains have proved very popular indeed wherever they have been introduced and more
and more will be brought into use in various parts of the London Midland Region as part of
the plan to provide better, faster and more comfortable railway services."
Copyright Keith Norgrove.
Last revised: July 9, 2011