DMU Class 108 Diesel Mechanical Multiple Unit
They are in direct line of decent from the GWR railcars exemplified by No. 20 and, earlier still, from the Ford and Shefflex railbuses pioneered by Colonel Stephens and employed on the K&ESR. The various classes of dmmu were widely used by all Regions of British Rail except the Southern. (SR use was late and confined to the Reading - Tonbridge services). ‘The 108', as it is known on the Kent & East Sussex, was acquired for the Railway in 1993. The vehicles were the best available to the purchasing group and not a long standing pairing. Since arriving on the K&ESR, an extensive programme of renovation has progressed steadily. Both are now turned out in their original green livery with the well-known ‘cats whisker' lining out to the front ends. The cars entered regular service during 1996 and since 2001 have been regularly used to supplement steam services on quieter days, their observation car-like ends proving popular with passengers. Although relatively unknown in the South East, class 108 is well fitted to the K&ESR, the type's branch line duties
