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British Rail Classes 251 and 261 facts for kids

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British Rail Class 251 and 261
"Blue Pullman"
Blue pullman 60099 - swansea - aug 1967.jpg
Blue Pullman at Swansea in 1967
In service 1960 - 1973
Manufacturer Metropolitan-Cammell
Number built 5 sets
Formation 6 or 8 cars per set
Capacity 132 (6 car)
228 (8 car)
Operator(s) British Rail, Western Region and London Midland Region
Specifications
Maximum speed 90 mph (145 km/h)
Weight 299 tons (6 car)
364 tons (8 car)
Prime mover(s) NBL/MAN V12 Supercharged

The Blue Pullman was a class of luxury train used from 1960 to 1973 by British Railways in the United Kingdom. As opposed to the previous Pullman Car Company locomotive-hauled carriage trains, and the Brighton Belle electric multiple units, the Blue Pullmans were the first diesel-electric multiple units designed for high-speed Pullman train services incorporating several novel features. Named after their custom blue livery, the trains were conceived under the railway 1955 Modernisation Plan, to create new luxury first-class diesel express trains, to compete with the motor car and the emerging domestic air travel market. Although not entirely successful in their own right, the Blue Pullmans demonstrated the possibility of high-speed fixed-formation multiple-unit Inter City train services and inspired the later development of the InterCity 125. After their withdrawal, none of the units survived into preservation.


Images for kids

  • Midland Pullman at Cheadle Heath.001

    The Midland Pullman at Cheadle Heath before its regular non-stop morning run to London St Pancras on 28 September 1960

  • The Birmingham Pullman passing High Wycombe, geograph 4105938 by john bristow (crop)

    The Birmingham Pullman in 1962

  • South Wales Pullman

    South Wales Pullman at Paddington in 1973

  • Metropolitan-Cammell eight-car DMU, last down Bristol Pullman, arriving Bristol Temple Meads 5.5.1973 Scans712 (10510870995)

    Eight-car Bristol Pullman set arriving at Bristol Temple Meads on 5 May 1973 (the final day of operation).

  • Non-stop to London, 1966, geograph 6441125 by Alan Murray Rust (crop)

    A Blue Pullman in the original blue and white livery at Bath in 1966

  • Metropolitan Cammell 8 car Blue Pullman dmu W60097 (8322090135)

    Blue Pullman at Old Oak Common TMD

  • London Midland Region Class 251-Class 261 Blue-White

    London Midland Region Class 251 and Class 261

  • Western Region Class 251-Class 261 Blue-White

    Western Region Class 251 and Class 261

  • Bathpool - Locomotive Services 43046-43055 returning to Eastleigh

    Locomotive Services' 'Blue Pullman' HST

  • Bachmann Blue Pullman power car

    Bachmann Branchline OO scale blue Pullman power car. Note lighting in cab and passenger compartments.

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