British Rail Class 108


The British Rail Class 108 diesel multiple units were built by BR Derby from 1958 to 1961, with a final production quantity of 333 vehicles.

Overview

The 108 was formed as a 2,3 or 4 car unit. Its aluminium body led the type to be classed a lightweight unit. These units stayed in regular service until 1990, when they began to be withdrawn from traffic. They were replaced on regional services by the new "Sprinter" derivative units, or by "Turbo" units on services around London. The final units lasted in traffic until October 1993, although many saw further use in departmental service, as sandite or route-learner units. Good condition on withdrawal and lack of asbestos has ensured that many of this class are now used on preserved railway lines.

Orders


Lot
No.
Car typeQty
Fleet No.Notes
30406Driving Motor Brake Second 2650599–50624ER power-trailer and power-twin sets
30407Driving Motor Brake Second 550625–50629LMR power-trailer sets
30408Driving Motor Composite with lavatory 1750630–50646ER power-twin and four-car sets
30409Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory 2156190–56210ER power-trailer sets
30410Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory 556211–56215LMR power-trailer sets
30411Trailer Second with lavatory 659380–59385ER four-car sets
30412Trailer Brake Second with lavatory 659245–59250ER four-car sets
30460Driving Motor Brake Second 1250924–50935LMR power-twin sets
30461Driving Motor Composite with lavatory 1251561–51572LMR power-twin sets
30465Driving Motor Brake Second 5050938–50987LMR power-trailer sets
30466Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory 5056221–56270LMR power-trailer sets
30493Trailer Second with lavatory 559386–59390ER three-car sets
30498Driving Motor Brake Second 951416–51424LMR power-trailer sets
30499Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory 956271–56279LMR power-trailer sets
30601Driving Motor Brake Second 5051901–51950LMR power-trailer and power-twin sets
30602Driving Trailer Composite with lavatory 2156484–56504LMR power-trailer sets
30660Driving Motor Composite with lavatory 2952037–52065LMR power-twin sets

Accidents and incidents

Many vehicles have been preserved on heritage railways. None are currently certified for use on the main line - although the Swanage Railway's set was hauled from the railway to Eastleigh and back, for overhaul - and is believed to be the first class 108 to have been seen on main lines for a very long time.