Driving Trailer vehicles have operated in their current form since the introduction of the Mk2 DBSO to ScotRail in the 1970s, then used between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. High Speed versions were developed in the form of the Mk3 DVT and the Mk4 DVT, which were then used by Intercity on long distance expresses on the West and East coast main lines. Mk3 DVTs were introduced on the West Coast Main Line to work alongside the already in service Class 86, 87 and the then new Class 90, to allow WCML expresses to operate without needing to have locomotives shunt around the train at the terminus stations on the route. Mk4 DVTs were developed as a part of the Intercity 225 project, to work with Mk4 vehicles and Class 91 locomotives on the East Coast Main Line.

Later in their lives Mk3 DVTs have seen use on the Great Eastern Main Line, moving from the West Coast alongside the Class 90 electric locomotives. Mk3 DVTs have also seen other uses in their later lives, with many being modified to work with diesel locomotives on unnelectrified routes. In contrast Mk4 DVTs have almost exclusively spent their working lives on the East Coast Main Line, however in recent years a few have seen use on the Welsh Marches line between Cardiff and Manchester and the North Wales Coast line to Holyhead, taking over from the Mk3 coaches and DVTs which previously worked this route.

82139 is one of two Locomotive Services Limited Mk3 Driving Van Trailers, and is a regular performer alongside their preserved electric locomotive fleet. 82139 regularly works the Intercity branded electric services, operating with a matching rake of Swallow liveried Mk3 trailer vehicles.

(1) LNER Mk4 DVT 82213 on shed at Neville Hill. (2) Chiltern Railways Mk3 DVTs 82301 & 82305 at Birmingham Moor Street. (3) Transport for Wales Mk4 DVT 82229 at Manchester Piccadilly. (4) LNER Mk4 DVT 82211 arriving into London Kings Cross. (5) Greater Anglia Mk3 DVT 82133 departing Chelmsford.

Additional information on the Mk3 and Mk4 DVT 

225group

https://225group.org.uk/

Motion History: Push-Pull trains of the UK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3so72xs3KtY&t

LSL Intercity charters

https://inter-city.co.uk/