The Severn Valley Railway has recently celebrated the return of a two-car Class 108 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), consisting of Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) vehicles M51941 and M52064.

Owned and operated by the DMU Group (West Midlands), this unit re-entered service in December 2023 after undergoing restoration.

During the Christmas season, the DMU was actively employed in passenger service and also played an essential role in transporting railway staff along the line. Additionally, it featured prominently at the Severn Valley Railway’s Winter Diesel Day on December 29, standing out as one of the event’s highlights.

Following the successful reintroduction of the two DMBS vehicles, the DMU Group is now focused on reviving its remaining three cars.

There are plans for the Trailer Brake Second Lavatory (TBSL) 59250 carriage to join M51941 and M52064 in the early part of 2023, thereby forming a three-car unit.

The Class 108 multiple units have a rich history, having been constructed by British Rail (BR) in Derby between 1958 and 1961. A total of 333 vehicles were produced, predominantly serving the London Midland and Northeastern regions of the BR network.

The last of these units were withdrawn from mainline service in October 1993. Notably, over 50 Class 108 vehicles, owing to their good condition and absence of asbestos, were preserved post-withdrawal. These can now be seen operating on approximately 20 different heritage railways and museums.

Chairman of the DMU Group (West Midlands) James Cooper said: “It was a real achievement getting the two-car back in action towards the end of 2023. This is a testament to the hard work of the group’s working members, and the SVR pulling it all together in time for the festive running period.”