British Rail Class 123 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 123 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1963- |
| Manufacturer | BR Swindon Works |
| Number built | 1963 |
| Formation | unknown |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 64 ft 11 1/4 in |
| Width | 9 ft 3 in |
| Height | 12 ft 9 1/2 in |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (112 km/h) |
| Weight | 41 tons 14 cwt |
The Class 123 was a special type of train called a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). These trains were built for British Rail in 1963. They were designed to be fast and comfortable for longer journeys between cities.
Contents
What is a DMU?
A Diesel Multiple Unit, or DMU, is a train that has its own engine in each carriage or in some of its carriages. This means it doesn't need a separate locomotive (engine) to pull it. DMUs are great because they can be easily joined together or separated. This makes them very flexible for different routes and passenger numbers.
Building the Class 123
The Class 123 trains were built by British Rail itself. They were made at a famous factory called Swindon Works in England. This factory was known for building many different types of trains. The Class 123 was designed to be an "inter-city" train. This means it was made for longer trips connecting big cities, not just short local journeys.
Key Features of the Class 123
- Year Built: The first Class 123 trains were introduced in 1963.
- Number of Trains: Only ten of these special trains were built.
- Carriages: Each Class 123 train was made up of four carriages.
- Top Speed: These trains could travel at speeds up to 70 miles per hour (112 kilometers per hour). This was quite fast for trains of that time!
- Purpose: They were used for comfortable journeys between major cities.
How Long Did They Last?
The Class 123 trains served British Rail for many years after 1963. They helped transport thousands of passengers across the country. These trains were an important part of Britain's railway history. They showed how trains could be designed for speed and comfort on longer routes.
