 |
Contents Listing - Articles & Features in this issue
The 'Blue Pullman' concept
Building and technical specifications
Technical description
The "Midland Pullman'
'Blue Pullman' operations
On the Western Region
The 'Birmingham Pullman'
The 'Bristol Pullman'
The 'South Wales Pullman'
Unusual duties
Pullman stock
'Blue Pullman' performances
Cover: A WR eight-car set passes Solibull with a 'Birmingham Pullman'service during the early 1960s.
Article Snippets
AS PART of the Modernisation Plan of 1955, the British Transport Commission (BTC) in collaboration with the Pullman Car Co decided to introduce de luxe Pullman diesel units between important business centres. Three separate services were formulated: the 'Midland Pullman' linking London St Pancras with Manchester Central which commenced operation from 4 July 1960, the 'Birmingham Pullman' which operated between London Padding,ton, Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton Low Level and the 'Bristol Pullman' between Paddington, Bath and "Bristol Temple Meads. The last two services commenced operation from 12 September 1960. For these new luxury services purposebuilt diesel Pullman sets were constructed by Metropolitan-Cammell Ltd. They were of distinctive appearance, turned out in Nanking blue livery, relieved by a white bodyside band.
Traditional Pullman-style services were provided and, as usual, full meals and refreshments were .served at each seat throughout the train. After introduction the units became popularly known as the 'Blue Pullmans', a nickname derived from their livery.
There were two types of Pullman formation. The LMR 'Midland Pullman' units were designated for all first-class accommodation and were formed of six vehicles (including two power cars), while those on the WR for the Birmingham/Bristol operations were eight-car first and second-class units.
From March 1967, the 'Midland Pullman' was withdrawn, mainly due to loss of patronage in the face of the introduction of electrically worked services on the WCML. The sets were reallocated to the WR where they were utilised on additional Bristol workings and a new South Wales diagram. This is the first publication entirely dedicated to the 'Blue Pttltihan' stock, and it is hoped that buyers will enjoy reading about some of this country's most prestigious stock. Sadly, it is all now a memory, and the 'Blue Pullmans' must be regarded as among the worst used investment projects of the 1955 Plan.
Modern Railways Pictorial Profile No 11, due for publication on 12 October, will deal with the much followed SR Class 33 'Cromptons'.
Traditional Pullman-style services were provided and, as usual, full meals and refreshments were .served at each seat throughout the train. After introduction the units became popularly known as the 'Blue Pullmans', a nickname derived from their livery.
There were two types of Pullman formation. The LMR 'Midland Pullman' units were designated for all first-class accommodation and were formed of six vehicles (including two power cars), while those on the WR for the Birmingham/Bristol operations were eight-car first and second-class units.
From March 1967, the 'Midland Pullman' was withdrawn, mainly due to loss of patronage in the face of the introduction of electrically worked services on the WCML. The sets were reallocated to the WR where they were utilised on additional Bristol workings and a new South Wales diagram. This is the first publication entirely dedicated to the 'Blue Pttltihan' stock, and it is hoped that buyers will enjoy reading about some of this country's most prestigious stock. Sadly, it is all now a memory, and the 'Blue Pullmans' must be regarded as among the worst used investment projects of the 1955 Plan.
Modern Railways Pictorial Profile No 11, due for publication on 12 October, will deal with the much followed SR Class 33 'Cromptons'.
