2-Character Headcodes for DMUs

As well as being allocated a standard 4 character train identification number, DMUs were also given a 2-character code. This was intended to be displayed in the 2-position 'indicator boxes' most DMUs working in North Wales had below the cab windows.

The first position indicated the class of train.
A - Express Passenger - equivalent to Class 1
B - Ordinary Passenger - equivalent to Class 2
C - Empty Stock = equivalent to Class 5

In the 1976 timetable almost all DMU passenger workings ran as Class 'B' (i.e Class 2).

The second position was used to indicate route, as shown in the table below:

Trains betweenandRoute Identification Number
HolyheadManchester Vic7
Crewe / Blythe Bridge1
LlandudnoLlandudno Jcn5
Blaenau Ffestiniog2
Bangor3
Prestatyn4
Crewe / Stoke-on-Trent6
Manchester Vic9
Rock Ferry0
ChesterRock Ferry1
Liverpool Lime Street5
Manchester Oxford Rd3
Manchester Piccadilly4
Wolverhampton2
HelsbyHooton / Rock Ferry2
Hawarden BridgeWrexham Cent3
New BrightonWrexham Cent4
Birkenhead NorthWrexham Gen / Cent5
Wrexham GenWrexham Cent0
Shotton1
CreweShrewsbury5
ShrewsburyAberystwyth1
PwllheliMachynlleth2
Aberystwyth3

DMU at Harlech 08/76

DMU Route indication codes last appeared in the working timetables in 1977-78, but they were little used for some time before this - this is the only picture I have of a DMU in 1975 or 1976 showing the correct code, at Harlech in 1976

DMU at Morfa Mawddach 08/75

More typical, this Metro-Cammell dmu seen at Morfa Mawddach in August 1975 shows Route 9 which is 'Llandudno-Manchester Victoria' - it should have carried 'B2'. Then again, only the Dovey Junction signalman would have gained anything!

DMU at Bangor 06/09/76

When DMU refurbishment started in 1976 the headcode panels were removed, as seen here, taken on 6th September 1976 at Bangor. The DMUs are running through the station to reverse into Platform 1 to form the 1640 to Crewe.