The LNER Railcars and Multiple Units

The LNER operated a variety of railcars and multiple units. All three propulsion systems (steam, electric, and internal combustion) were represented.

Steam Railcars

In the early 1900s several companies sought to streamline branch line operation by eliminating the need for the locomotive to detach and run round the train at the terminus. The so-called "rail motor" involved an integral unit of a small 0-4-0 locomotive and carriage, reviving a concept dating back to the broad gauge "steam carriage" of 1847. The GNR's six examples, introduced in 1905, survived until 1926, with lengthy periods in storage. Alongside the more flexible "push pull" system, with its adapted but independent steam locomotives, the LNER also revived the older concept by purchasing 95 vertical-boilered geared steam railcars from 1925, one of which survived briefly under BR ownership.

Internal Combustion Railcars

The LNER inherited a number of railcars with internal combustion. Most were built on a trial basis and never purchased in larger numbers. All units had been withdrawn by 1939.

Electric Multiple Units

The NER was among the pioneers of electrification, bequeathing 126 cars to the LNER for its Tyneside system. All were withdrawn by 1945 save for two loco-hauled de-icing vans not withdrawn until 1966. The LNER added 132 vehicles to cater for expansion of the network and also shared ownership with the LMS of 68 cars for the Manchester-Altrincham system. All of these vehicles survived to Nationalisation (1948). 300 cars to an LNER design were built in the early British Railways years when the planned Shenfield and Glossop schemes were completed. Finally, LNER involvement with London Underground extensions made them nominal owners of 289 tube cars.

Tram Cars

At Grouping (1923), the LNER took over two small electric tramway systems. These and their tram cars are described on the following two pages: