British Rail Class 121 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 121 |
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W55033 at the Colne Valley Railway in original green livery
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| In service | 1960 - present |
| Manufacturer | Pressed Steel Company |
| Family name | Bubble Car |
| Number built | 16 |
| Formation | 1 car per trainset |
| Operator(s) | Arriva Trains Wales Network Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 64 ft 6 in (19,660 mm) |
| Width | 9 ft 3 in (2,820 mm) |
| Height | 12 ft 4 in (3,760 mm) |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Weight | 38 tons |
Imagine a small, speedy train that could run all by itself! That's what the British Rail Class 121 trains were like. Only sixteen of these special single-car trains were built starting in 1960. They were numbered from 55020 to 55035.
Sometimes, these trains had ten extra trailer cars added to them. These trailers didn't have their own engines. The Class 121 trains could zoom up to 70 miles per hour! They had 'slam-doors' that you had to close firmly. They also used 'vacuum brakes' to stop safely. Train fans loved these trains so much, they nicknamed the main ones "Bubble Cars" because of their rounded shape!
Contents
What is a Class 121 Train?
The Class 121 is a type of train called a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). This means it's a train that has its own engine and can run by itself. It doesn't need a separate locomotive to pull it. These trains were built to carry passengers on shorter journeys. They were designed to be efficient and easy to use.
How Were They Built?
These trains were built by a company called the Pressed Steel Company. They started making them in 1960. Each Class 121 train was made up of just one car. This single car had a driving cab at both ends. This meant the train could change direction easily without needing to turn around.
What Were They Used For?
The Class 121 trains were mostly used on local railway lines. They were perfect for routes where not too many people needed to travel. They helped replace older, less efficient steam trains on these smaller lines. Their ability to run as single cars made them very flexible.
Are They Still Running?
Even though they were built in 1960, some Class 121 trains are still in use today! Many have been preserved by railway heritage groups. You can sometimes see them on special railway lines. A few are even used by companies like Network Rail for special tasks. This shows how well-built and reliable these "Bubble Cars" truly are.
Images for kids
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Preserved W55033 at the Colne Valley Railway in original green livery, with yellow "speed whiskers" (warning stripes) on the cab front. This unit differs from the rest of the class by the fitment of a small route indicator box above the centre window, like a Class 122, rather than a large headcode box.
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121020 and 121034 at Bewdley in 2004.
