Class 115 DMU

The British Rail Class 115 diesel multiple units were 41 high-density sets which operated the outer-suburban services from Marylebone usually to destinations such as High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Banbury which are on the Chiltern Main Line and Great Central Main Line. Sometimes, these sets used to operate 8- or 12-car-long expresses to Nottingham Victoria.

Class 115 units also worked from Tyseley in the later years.

In March 1960, 51859 arrived new to Cricklewood depot. In June 1960, it was transferred to Trafford Park and then Allerton in November that year, where it stayed until February 1987, when it was transferred to Tyseley. It was transferred to HQ RFXX in February 1994, before being withdrawn in July 1995.

In September 1960, 51880 arrived new to Derby Friargate, pending allocation. It was transferred to Cricklewood in January 1961. It was stored at Marylebone in June 1961, before being transferred there in July that year. It stayed there until May 1987, when it was transferred to Tyseley. It was transferred to HQ HGXX in September 1994, before being withdrawn in July 1995.

The final class 115 working out of Marylebone was on 29 July 1992. The Tyseley vehicles survived a bit longer, until February 1994.

51859 and 51880 were preserved by the West Somerset Railway in 1995 for use on off peak services.

51859 soon became part of a core 3-car set along with 59678 & 51880. It is thought that 51887 was also used when maintenance of 51859 or 51880 was required.

In Spring 1996, they were repainted into a non-authentic carmine & cream colour scheme and performed for many years operating West Somerset Railway services.

In 2007, with the exterior of the 3-car set having become worn in appearance, they were repainted into the more appropriate British Railways Green livery.

51859 operated all DMU services in 3-car formation with 59678 & 51880 between 2008 and 2013 and could on occasion be strengthened to 4 cars with the addition of 59493.

Locomotive Status: Operational