A number of DEMU vehicles have made it into departmental use and three are still in use. Created in January 1993 from two class 205 power cars, 930301 is used with either a Sandite or De-icing centre trailer vehicle as appropriate. The Sandite trailer is also converted from a 205 vehicle.
The two power cars are from the final batch of 205 units (often called 'Berkshires') and had relatively short revenue earning careers. However, like many other vehicles, their departmental use may well see them outlive their siblings. Renumbered as 977939 and 977340, these were DMBS vehicles 60145 and 60149 respectively
Reliability issues have also affected 930301 and other power cars have been substituted on occasion. The final two pictures show one such occurrence in September 1998.
Prior to 930301, class 207 ('Sussex') DMBS 60139 and DTC 60910 had also made it into departmental use, becoming 977700 and 977701 respectively in 1990. These were both scrapped in May 1992.
This picture shows 930301 at Selhurst with ex-Bullied 4-EPB de-icing
trailer vehicle
Photo: Copyright John Lewis
The first of two views taken at Riddlesdown in September 1998 shows the
regular DMBS nearest the camera and the substitute one in the distance
Photo: Copyright John Lewis
Close up of Sandite trailer 977870 (itself converted from
205 unit TSL vehicle 60660) and substitute DMBS
Photo: Copyright John Lewis