British Rail Class 139
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| British Rail Class 139 | |
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 Artist's impression of a Class 139 |
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| In service | 2008 - |
| Manufacturer | Parry People Movers |
| Family name | PPM |
| Refurbishment | None |
| Number built | 2 vehicles on order |
| Formation | 1 car |
| Capacity | 60 |
| Operator | London Midland |
| Lines served | Stourbridge Town Branch Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 10.5 yd (9.6m) |
| Width | 2.5 yd (2.4m) |
| Height | 10.5 yd (3.2m) |
| Maximum speed | 40 mph (65 km/h) |
| Traction system | 1,000-2,500rpm flywheel |
| Engine | Ford DSG423 diesel |
| Gauge | Standard gauge (4 ft 8½ in) |
British Rail Class 139[1] is the TOPS classification assigned to the lightweight railcars being built for operation by London Midland on the Stourbridge Town Branch Line. The railcars are PPM60 model units from Parry People Movers, with two being supplied for the service.[2] They will replace a single Class 153 DMU on the service.
The concept of using the lightweight railcar came about in 2006, when a year-long pilot scheme began on the Stourbridge line on Sundays. The success of this meant that the provision of regular services using the technology was incorporated in the franchise plans for the new West Midlands Franchise, of which the line would be a part. Following London Midland's successful bid, they placed an order with Parry People Movers, through Porterbrook, to purchase two PPM60 railcars to operate the service, freeing up the existing single car DMUs for use elsewhere.
The Class 139 units will be typical of the Parry People Mover concept, in that they will utilise a flywheel energy storage as the main source of energy to move the vehicle. The flywheel captures brake energy (when the brakes are used), and re-uses it for acceleration. This eliminates the need for a large diesel engine, as the unit's primary motive power comes from the flywheel. The small onboard engine is used to power up the vehicle initially, and to provide power for the onboard systems.[3] Because of the presence of the diesel engine, the railcars are being classified as diesel multiple units. The two units are due to enter service by December 2008.[4]
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