BR Class 116

The BR Class 116 was a class Diesel Multiple Units.

The Western Region Dieselisation Scheme, issued in 1955, included plans for the use of diesel cars on suburban and local lines in the Birmingham area and led to this class being ordered. They eventually totalled 320 vehicles.

These were first high density sets to be built. They were formed of a DMBS, TC or TS and a DMS and originally accommodated 262 passengers. Built without gangways, these were added in later years decreasing the seating capacity.

While most cars went into service in the West Midlands and Wales - remaining there until withdrawal in the '80s - the Class was eventually allocated to all regions except the Southern.

In the '70s some vehicles were converted for parcels use with GUVs sandwiched between the power cars. They were later put back to passenger use. In the '80s cars were again designated for parcels use. When the Class was used for parcels use they were generally referred to as Class 130s.

Of the 1,392 vehicles that were built by Derby, it was this class that outlasted them all in passenger use, the final cars surviving until the mid-nineties. Eleven vehicles were preserved.

Parcels use
Three units were converted to carry parcels traffic and reclassified as Class 130, though the individual coaches were not renumbered. The units involved were: To provide extra capacity, they worked with modified General Utility Vans (GUV) as centre trailers
 * 50819 + 50872
 * 50862 + 50915
 * 51137 + 51150
 * W50915 reverted back to standard Class 116 configuration in 1977 and transferred to Tyseley

Preservation
6 vehicles have been preserved on heritage railways, with a single two-car unit.