British Rail Class 115 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 115 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1960-1998 |
| Manufacturer | BR Derby |
| Number built | 41 |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Line(s) served | Chiltern Main Line, London to Aylesbury Line |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph |
| Weight | 38 tonnes |
| Prime mover(s) | BUT (Leyland Albion) of 230hp |
| Track gauge | 1435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
The British Rail Class 115 was a type of train used in the UK. These trains were called "diesel multiple units" (DMUs). They ran on their own power using diesel engines.
Forty-one of these trains were built. They were designed for busy routes with many passengers. These trains usually ran from Marylebone in London. Their destinations included places like High Wycombe, Aylesbury, and Banbury. These towns are on the Chiltern Main Line and what is now the London to Aylesbury Line.
Sometimes, these trains were used for longer trips. They would form very long trains, up to 12 cars. These longer trains went to Nottingham Victoria in the past. It's interesting that these trains were listed under "Table 115" in the old British Rail timetable!
What Made Them Special?
The Class 115 trains were based on a common design. This design was used for many trains built in Derby. They looked a bit like the British Rail Class 127 trains. However, the Class 115 trains were much nicer inside.
They had bigger windows, which let in more light. The seats and other parts of the interior were also better. They had improved lighting and wall surfaces. This made journeys more comfortable for passengers.
Where Else Did They Go?
Some of these trains were first built for a different route. They ran on the CLC line. This line connected the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Later, these trains were moved to Marylebone.
In their later years, some Class 115 trains also worked from Tyseley. This was another important train depot.
The End of Their Journey
The trains that ran from Marylebone were later moved to Bletchley. But they still worked on the Chiltern Line routes.
Newer trains, called Class 165s, started to arrive in 1991. Because of these new trains, the Class 115s were no longer needed.
While at the Bletchley depot, some Class 115 trains were used on the Gospel Oak to Barking line. On this line, two power cars would run together. Later, even these trains were replaced. Newer Class 117 trains took their place.
The very last Class 115 train left Marylebone in July 1992. The trains based at Tyseley ran a bit longer. Their final journey was in February 1994.
Images for kids
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A Class 115 at Aylesbury in 1984.
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A set preserved on the West Somerset Railway
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