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[[File: DMU_20141207.jpg|thumb|300px|right| The DMU operating as a four car unit.]]The '''DMU Group came about following (West Midlands)''' is the owner and operator of the five [[Class 108 DMU]] vehicles based at the Severn Valley Railway. It was registered as a meeting organised charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) on 16 June 2023, charity number 1203594. The objects of the CIO are: '' "for the benefit of the community, to advance education and learning by Locomotive Inspector John Price in preserving, restoring, maintaining and operating vintage diesel single and/or multiple unit passenger rail vehicles on a suitable heritage railway or railways." ''<ref>[https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5215218/charity-overview DMU Group (West Midlands) on the ‘King & Castle’ on 9 February 1989Charities Commission website] (Retrieved 26 June 2023)</ref>.
The Group was originally interested in preserving BR Class 104 vehicles made by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Co at Smethwick. However investigation revealed these vehicles were insulated with white asbestos, leading the Group to opt for the Derby-built lightweight Class 108 units instead. BR never allocated the Class 108 to the Severn Valley in service, but the vehicles would be suitable for tourist operation, having relatively comfortable passenger layout and good visibility.
The first 2 powered cars, Driving Motor Brake Second M51941 and Driving Motor Composite M52064, arrived under their own power at Kidderminster on 29 March 1991. They were formally commissioned and handed over to the Group on 13 October of that year.
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">
File:51941_20150307.jpg | DMBS M51941
File: 52064_20150614.jpg | DMCL M52064
</gallery>
The charters and scenic cruises quickly proved popular, and in June 1992 the Group purchased unpowered centre car M59250. This entered service in November 1992, making the DMU a 3-car unit including buffet facilities. 1993 saw the introduction of the Saturday evening ‘fish & chips’ rail cruises.
M51935 was extensively damaged by fire in May 2008 in what was believed to be an arson attack. The Group acquired powered car M50933/53933 as a replacement. 51935 was transported off site and completely dismantled. A significant number of components, including body panels, were able to be recovered for use elsewhere.
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">
File: 59250_20150718.jpg | TSL NE59250
File: 56208_20150718.jpg | DTCL E56208
File:50933_20150614.jpg | DMBS M50933
</gallery>
==Sources==
== See also ==
*[[List of preservation groups]]<br>*[[Class 108 DMU]]<br>*[[Charities associated with the SVR]]
==References==
