Class 101 (41 vehicles)
With over 700 examples produced by Metropliton Cammell between 1956 & 1959 in 2, 3 & 4 car sets, the class 101's have been one of the most successful railcar designs both in mainline service and in preservation. They were the last first generation DMUs to survive on the mainline in any great numbers, with a fleet of about 30 two car sets surviving into the 21st century.
Due to their extended survival compared to other classes, they are represented very well in preservation, numerous examples being obtained by railways and individuals. They represent the last batch of first generation vehicles to be made available for preservation. They are easily recognisable by their unique Met Camm front end, which (after the standard Derby front end designs) probably best represents DMUs in general. They proved particularly popular on railways located on the former BR Eastern region, with 75% of the class preserved in those locations.
Of the six sub-types of Class 101 vehicles built, only the trailer brake second varient became extinct, with examples of the other five luckily being saved. The centre cars are now rare, with only two Trailer Composite and one Trailer Second remaining, meaning that the vast majority of preserved Class 101's operate in 2-car formations.
A 2-car 101 is also part of the National Collection, being claimed in 2005.
Their good condition has meant a healthy proportion of the class were in operational condition for many years, having been put straight into service after preservation with little work required. However as time goes on more vehicles can no longer operate in "ex-BR" condition and several have required a range of refreshes, rebuilds & restorations, safeguarding their future on our heritage railways. As more costly repairs have been required, the number of stored vehicles has steadily increased and today, the class is now on a more level playing field with other classes that have been in preservation longer.
The current main centres of Class 101 preservation are the Great Central & North Norfolk Railways, both of whom have more than one set restored and in operating condition.
Although not the preservation of whole Class 101 vehicles, it is believed that the cabs from 50211, 50269 & 51177 have also survived.
Now Scrapped
Preserved & Later Returned Mainline
| Number | Type | Last Location |
| 56356 | DTCL | Barry Island Railway |