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LEV 1

LEV 2/R3

R3

RB002

RB004

Class 139 Parry People Mover

Class 140 Pacer Prototype

Class 141 Pacer

Class 142 Pacer

Class 143 Pacer

Class 144 Pacer

Class 150 Sprinter

Class 151 Met-Cam Prototype

Class 153 Single car

Class 154 Sprinter

Class 155 Super Sprinter

Class 156 Super Sprinter

Class 158 Express

Class 159 South Western Turbo

Class 165 Networker Turbo

Class 166 Networker Turbo

Class 168 Clubman

Class 170 Turbostar

Class 171 Turbostar

Class 172 Turbostar

Class 175 Coradia

Class 180 Adelante

Class 185 Desiro

In an effort to cheaply replace the aging first generation DMU's, British Rail experimented with a double ended Leyland National bus body mounted on the High Speed Freight Vehicle 1 (HSFV1) four wheel chassis in 1978. Initially unpowered, an engine and transmission was added in 1979, using the Leyland 510 diesel engine as fitted in the road going buses. LEV1 was tested in passenger service before spending a brief spell in the USA. Upon return, it was eventually withdrawn in 1987 and went to the National Railway Museum. Later, it moved to the North Norfolk Railway and underwent restoration. LEV1 is currently at NRM Shildon.

So, how do we model this one? I believe MTK made a kit, but I have not seen one. Being based on a Leyland National bus, my idea is to use two EFE models of the 11.3m version in a 'cut and shut'  operation. Motorisation is envisaged by using the High Level Kits railbus unit. Jim Smith-Wright made an excellent model that appeared in Model Rail a while back, so I'll take a look at at he did it.

So far, I have bought the two buses!