British Rail Class 124 facts for kids

The British Rail Class 124 was a special type of train. It was a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). This means it was a train that could run on its own. It didn't need a separate engine to pull it. These trains were built for a specific job. They were made to travel across the Pennine mountains in England.

What Was the Class 124?

The Class 124 trains were built in 1960. They were made by BR Swindon Works. These trains were designed for the tough "trans-Pennine" route. This route connects cities like Manchester and Leeds. It crosses the Pennine hills, which can be quite challenging for trains.

How Were They Designed?

When they were first built, each Class 124 train had six cars. Imagine a very long train! Each car was about 64 feet long. They were designed to be strong and reliable. This was important for the long journeys. The trains could reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour. That's about 112 kilometers per hour.

Life on the Tracks

The Class 124 trains served the British Rail network for many years. They were a common sight on the trans-Pennine route. Over time, their size changed. The six-car trains were shortened. They eventually became three-car sets. This made them more flexible for different services.

The End of the Journey

By the late 1980s, the Class 124 trains were getting old. Newer, more modern trains were being introduced. So, all the Class 124 trains were taken out of service. This is called being "withdrawn." Some people wanted to save one of these trains. They hoped to keep it for history. Sadly, this effort was not successful. All the Class 124 trains were eventually scrapped. This means they were taken apart.