In the 1979 recoding, the _BP_ class of baggage vans was relettered to VBPY. The 'PY' was the passenger speed ( 70mph/115km/hr ) and bogie type indicator.
At 1979 there were 22 No. BP vans. These were: 3, 6, 8, 11, 20, 27, 37, 41, 52, 54, 56, 64, 66, 68, 74, 81, 89, 90, 91, 92, 96 and 97. These vans were recoded between 1979 and 1981.
In 1981 one van was restored to freight service. VBPY 6 became VBAY 79.
With the introduction of new Head End Power (HEP) train sets and altered passenger train running and a more competitive parcels service, more parcels vans were required.
In 1982/1983 nine freight vans were fitted with passenger bogies and classed VBPY. The vans were numbered VBPY 112 - 120. They had been converted from the VBAY class.
In 1984, three vans were fitted with HEP connections and recoded to _DH_.
Between 1983 and 1984 the vans were reclassed to _D__. They were numbered D 301 - 331, 333 - 335, 337, 339.