British Rail Class 128: Parcels Diesel Multiple Unit (1959–1991)
Overview of the British Rail Class 128 parcels diesel multiple units built by British United Traction in 1959. Ten non‑passenger vehicles with twin Leyland engines, used for parcels and mail until withdrawal in 1991.
British Rail Class 128 was a fleet of purpose-built diesel multiple units operated by British Rail. The units entered service in 1959 and were intended exclusively for transporting parcels rather than carrying seated passengers.
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Design and construction
Ten vehicles were manufactured by British United Traction. Each vehicle carried two Leyland diesel engines rated at 230 horsepower apiece. Interiors were fitted out to handle consignments and light freight: shelving and parcel racks replaced passenger seating, and bicycle storage was provided at both ends of the vehicles.
Key features
- Number built: 10
- Manufacturer: British United Traction
- Introduced: 1959
- Powerplant: two Leyland engines, 230 hp each
- Role: parcels and light freight; no passenger accommodation
- End-of-service: withdrawn by 1991
Service history and disposition
The Class 128 units served on parcels and mail duties within the national network, operating as non-passenger multiple units to move small consignments and bicycles between depots and stations. Withdrawals began as operational needs and rolling-stock policies changed; the last examples were taken out of service in 1991. There are no surviving members of the class in preservation.
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AlegsaOnline.com British Rail Class 128: Parcels Diesel Multiple Unit (1959–1991) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/14335