British Rail Class 119 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 119 |
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Class 119 DMU No. W51073 in BR Blue livery at Wirksworth Station on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
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| In service | 1958-1990s |
| Manufacturer | Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. Ltd |
| Number built | 1958 |
| Formation | DMBC/TSB/DMSL |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 64 ft 6 in |
| Width | 9 ft 3 in |
| Height | 12 ft 8 1/4 in |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (112 km/h) |
| Weight | 37 tons 10 cwt |
| Traction system | Mechanical |
| Prime mover(s) | BUT (AEC) of 150 hp |
| Track gauge | Standard |
The British Rail Class 119 was a type of train known as a Diesel Multiple Unit, or DMU. These trains were special because they carried their own engines and didn't need a separate locomotive to pull them. They were built in 1958 and served passengers across the United Kingdom for many years.
What is a DMU?
A DMU stands for Diesel Multiple Unit. This means the train has its own diesel engine built right into its carriages. Unlike older trains that needed a separate engine at the front, DMUs can run on their own. This makes them very flexible and efficient for passenger services.
How the Class 119 Worked
The Class 119 trains were designed to carry passengers on different routes. They were known for their strong engines and ability to reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (112 km/h). Each train was made up of several carriages linked together.
Where They Traveled
When they were first introduced, many Class 119 DMUs were used in the Western Region of British Rail. This area covered parts of England and Wales. Some trains also operated in the Midlands, based at a place called Tyseley Depot.
Soon after, many of these trains were moved to Cardiff in Wales. From there, they helped connect smaller towns and stations on routes from London Paddington to Oxford. These trains often ran as "7-car sets," meaning they had seven carriages linked together. Some of these carriages were special "Hawksworth composites" that were changed to work well with the DMU trains.
Life of the Class 119 Trains
The Class 119 trains were built by the Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. Ltd. They started carrying passengers in 1958. These reliable trains continued to serve the public until the 1990s. They played an important role in connecting communities and making travel easier for many people across Britain.
