British Rail Class 126 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 126 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1957- |
| Manufacturer | BR Swindon Works |
| Number built | 1957 |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 64 ft 6 in |
| Width | 9 ft 3 in |
| Height | 12 ft 9 1/2 in |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (112 km/h) |
| Weight | 38 tons |
| Prime mover(s) | BUT (AEC) 150 hp |
The British Rail Class 126 trains were a special type of diesel train used in the United Kingdom. These trains were called "diesel multiple units" because they had their own engines and could run as a complete train set. They were designed to carry passengers quickly and efficiently on important routes.
Contents
What Were Class 126 Trains?
The Class 126 trains were built to try out new ways of running trains in Britain. In 1952, a group called the British Transport Commission suggested testing diesel trains. This was a big change from the steam trains that were common at the time.
How They Were Designed
The job of designing and building these new express trains went to Swindon Works. Swindon Works was a famous place where many trains were built for British Rail. They were asked to create trains that could travel fast between major cities.
Where They Ran
The first Class 126 trains were built in 1957. They were made for a busy route between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street. This route was part of the old North British Railway network.
Later, in 1959 and 1960, more Class 126 trains were built. These new trains were used for services from Glasgow to the Ayrshire area. They helped connect more towns and cities across Scotland.
Key Features of the Class 126
These trains were quite powerful for their time. Each train car was about 64 feet long. They could reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour (112 km/h). This made them suitable for express services, meaning they didn't stop at every small station.
The Class 126 trains used BUT (AEC) 150 hp engines. These diesel engines allowed the trains to run without needing a separate locomotive. This design made them more flexible and efficient for passenger services.
