British Rail Class 118 facts for kids

The British Rail Class 118 was a special type of train known as a diesel multiple unit (DMU). These trains were built by a company called the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company (often shortened to BRCW). They first started carrying passengers in 1960.

What is a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)?

A diesel multiple unit, or DMU, is a type of train that can run on its own. It doesn't need a separate engine, like a locomotive, to pull it. Each carriage in a DMU has its own diesel engine. This makes them very flexible and efficient. They can be joined together to make longer trains or run as single carriages. DMUs are great for passenger services, especially on routes where electric power isn't available.

Building the Class 118

The Class 118 trains were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company. This company was a well-known manufacturer of railway rolling stock. They built many different types of trains and carriages. The Class 118 was designed to be a reliable and comfortable train. It was meant for local and regional passenger services.

Design and Features

The Class 118 DMUs were typically made up of three carriages. Each set included:

• A driving motor brake second (DMBS) carriage. This carriage had an engine, a driver's cab, and a luggage area.
• A trailer composite with lavatory (TCL) carriage. This carriage had both first and second-class seating. It also had a toilet.
• A driving motor second (DMS) carriage. This carriage had another engine and a driver's cab. It only had second-class seating.

This three-car setup allowed the trains to be driven from either end. This meant they didn't need to be turned around at the end of a journey. This saved a lot of time and effort.

Where Did the Class 118 Run?

When they were first introduced in 1960, the Class 118 trains were mainly used in the Western Region of British Rail. This area covered parts of England and Wales. They were often seen on routes around places like:

• Bristol
• Plymouth
• Cardiff
• Swansea

They were very useful for connecting towns and cities. They also served smaller branch lines. Their ability to accelerate quickly made them good for routes with frequent stops.

Life in Service

The Class 118 trains were known for being strong and dependable. They provided many years of service to British Rail. They carried thousands of passengers every day. Over their lifetime, some of these trains were moved to other regions. They also sometimes had their interiors updated. This helped to keep them comfortable for passengers.

End of the Line

After many years of hard work, the Class 118 trains started to be replaced. Newer, more modern trains were introduced. These new trains were often more fuel-efficient and had better features. The last of the Class 118 DMUs were retired from service in the early 1990s. While they are no longer in regular use, they played an important part in British railway history. They helped to modernize passenger travel in the mid-20th century.