History of the BR Class 210 DEMU

The British Rail Class 210 was an experimental diesel-electric multiple unit built in 1981, as a potential replacement for the ageing 1st-generation DMUs. But BR never built anymore than two of them (4-car '210001' and 3-car '210002') as they were deemed too expensive, and instead they went with the Class 150 and other 'Sprinter' units.
The former 210 coaches led unusual lives after being withdrawn, with at least one of them now being preserved at the East Kent Railway.
(All pictures and footage used in this video are property of their respective owners).

[@Devkumar43072]

The class 210 were successful on the export market with NIR requiring them which would be class 450s (not to be confused with the Desiros) these would be built in Derby then they would remain in service until they were replaced by the more modern CAF 3000/4000 stock recently. Long live the Thumper units in which the class 210 was a modern one.

[@alistaircampbell7061]

This design did find a home in Northern Ireland. They were numbered 450 Class “castle class” DEMU, getting the “castle class” term as all 9 sets received a name plate which bared the name of a castle in Northern Ireland. They were made up of a 3 car formation numbering from 451-459. They were a cheaper response to NIR needing to upgrade its rolling stock from the 70 class demu. The engines and traction motors were retained and placed into the 450 Class. They served faithfully from 1985-2012.
The engine reused in the 450s were 600hp English Electric 4SRKTs with their very distinctive thumping noise when under full power. By UK standards, they weren’t very quick having a top speed of 75mph and acceleration wasn’t by any means sporty. But they were good old British engineered trains which served as a reliable (for the most part) and robust replacement for the older multiple units.
One complete example, set number 458 is currently preserved and operated by the Downpatrick and County Down Railway. Unfortunately, Downpatrick suffered very bad flooding. Submerging the traction motors and axle boxes as well as other key components of nearly every unit and loco in their fleet. It appears that 458 by a sheer miracle escaped major damage compared to their trains. I hope for their sake that 458 and their other locos will rumble once again.

[@garthcox4307]

I had them both a few times travelling to school as they demoed them as a pair on the cross city line in Birmingham for a couple of weeks. They were decent as far as I remember. I guess they lost out to 150s on fuel efficiency grounds. The cross city line was electrified in the end.

[@mikeuk4130]

Thank you, that really was very interesting. I hadn’t realised there could be a worse unit than a Pacer, but your computer-generated graphic proved me wrong! Because the video was so interesting, however, I had soon forgotten about that. I realise that the engine layout in the 210 was not efficient as far as seat numbers was concerned, but the notion of a diesel unit without a harsh, clattering power unit under the floor of every car is very attractive. The 4SRKT sounds great anyway!

[@JamesPetts]

I actually travelled on one of these once when I was a child.

[@___Wrench___]

I actually just learned that 150001 and 002 have 3 coaches! Thank you

[@Martindyna]

Very informative and interesting video. The only small criticism is the clipped nature of the audio.

[@bobbymcloughlin3452]

These Are The BREL Mark Branchline Carriages
The Driving Trailers Are Classed: “210”, “316”, “317/1”, “317/5”, “457”
The Carriages Are Classed: “210”, “316”, “317/1”, “317/5”, “457”
A Composite Carriage Is Classed: “210”
Both The Power Carriage & The Power Brake Carriage Are Classed: “210”
Facelift Variants Are Classed Both: “317/7” & “317/8”
Locomotive Hauled (Requires A Corridor Locomotive)

[@JessicaKasumi1990]

Nice video, mate. I never heard of these before. And now, I am intrigued since I'm more used to North American stock because I live here.

[@A-Trainspotter-From-Berkshire]

There is talks of rebuilding a complete 210.

[@noooo_safechat2589]

the class 210 wouldve actually made passengers feel healthy if it stayed and the pacer didnt, the pacers were horrible on turns

[@stuew6]

What about Class of Locomotives that 3rail to Diesel or Overhead power to Diesel .

[@fakelol699]

Looks like a nir 450

[@realfrowz]

Isn't this train kinda like the class 317 and 455's brothrrs

[@fakelol699]

450 from temu

[@lindsaynapier5510]

Lol

[@WhisperingWiltshire]

More like 317 from AliExpress

[@Keyaans_Photography]

Closer to a 317 than a 321, as you said at the beginning