British Rail Class 116 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 116
Set T326, formed of vehicles 51131 and 51321, at Arley on the Severn Valley Railway on 15 October 2004, whilst taking part in the Railcar 50 event. This unit is painted in BR Blue/Grey livery, and is preserved on the Battlefield Line Railway.
In service	1961-1990
Manufacturer	BR Derby
Constructed	1957–1961
Number built	DMBS: 108, DMS: 108, TS: 10, TC: 94
Formation	2 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	British Rail
Specifications
Car length	64 ft 0 in
Width	9 ft 3 in
Height	12 ft 4 1/2 in
Maximum speed	70 mph (112 km/h)
Weight	38 tons 10 cwt

The British Rail Class 116 diesel trains were built by BR Derby. They were made between 1957 and 1961. These trains were known as Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs). This means they could run on their own without a separate engine.

What is the British Rail Class 116?

The Class 116 was a type of train used by British Rail. These trains were designed to carry passengers. They were very common on local lines across the country. They helped people travel easily between towns and cities.

When were Class 116 trains built?

The first Class 116 trains were built in 1957. The last ones were finished in 1961. This means they were built over a period of four years. They were made at the British Rail factory in Derby.

How long did Class 116 trains serve?

These trains were in service for a long time. They started running in 1961. They carried passengers until 1990. That's almost 30 years of service! They were a reliable part of the British railway system.

What was special about their design?

Class 116 trains usually had two cars. Each car was about 64 feet long. They could travel at a top speed of 70 miles per hour. This made them fast enough for many routes. They were designed to be simple and effective.

Where did Class 116 trains operate?

Class 116 trains were used all over Britain. They were especially common in the Midlands area. They ran on many different railway lines. These trains helped connect smaller towns to bigger cities.

Why were they important for local travel?

These trains were great for local journeys. They could stop at many stations. This made them perfect for people traveling short distances. They helped many communities stay connected.

What happened to the Class 116 trains?

Most Class 116 trains were taken out of service by 1990. Newer trains replaced them. However, some of these trains were saved. They are now preserved on heritage railways.

Where can you see a preserved Class 116 train?

You can still see some Class 116 trains today. They are often found on special heritage railways. These railways keep old trains running for people to enjoy. For example, a Class 116 train is preserved on the Battlefield Line Railway. This lets people experience what train travel was like in the past.

Images for kids

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  A 116 at Birmingham Snow Hill in 1967.

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  Class 116 wearing WMPTE livery on approach to Birmingham Moor Street.