About the DMU Group West Midlands
Background
Running 16 miles from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, the line is highly developed and rich in history and infrastructure. The preservations started out at Bridgnorth, the first trains commencing in 1970. The line was extended to its current length by means of two extensions, in 1974 and 1984.
Diesel Multiple Units have been a part of the story since 1991, and at least one set has remained in traffic continuously since that year.
In its earlier years, the railway operated a GWR Railcar No 22 which is now resident at Didcot Railway Centre.
DMU Group West Midlands were formed in 1989 with the aim of preserving a 2-car DMU set for the Severn Valley Railway which is primarily a preserved line using steam locomotives
However, it was recognised that the heritage type of diesel multiple units or, DMU's as they are termed, still deserved a place on the railway. Many hundreds of these trains were built in the 50's and 60's for use all over Britain as part of a modernisation scheme.
All have now disappeared forever and only due the dedication of the members of the DMU Group (West Midlands) have our units been saved for use on the Severn Valley Railway. They have now been in preservation action here for more than fifteen years.
Today the DMU's do not replace steam operated trains and instead they supplement them with extra services.
The railway has also hosted the largest DMU event in preservation history, Railcar50, in 2004 which was an extraordinary event involving the gathering of a large representation of preserved DMU types. It is considered very unlikely that such an event will be possible in the future.
What is a DMU?
DMU's are groups of 2 or 3 interconnected coaches using diesel engines as a method of propulsion, which are located underneath the floor. The grouped coaches can be joined to other similar groups to form a multiple of these units requiring only one driver to control them in this situation. In the end coaches of each group the glass front offers splendid panoramic views of the Severn Valley Line for the travelling occupants and prove to be very popular. You can also see what the driver gets up to.