British Rail Class 127 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 127 |
|
|---|---|
Class 127, no, 51625 at Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway on 15 October 2004, whilst on display at the Railcar 50 event. This vehicle has been part-restored to its original condition, having been rebuilt as a parcels unit (numbered 55976) in 1985. This vehicle is preserved at the Midland Railway Butterley, paired with driving motor 51591, and trailer 59609.
|
|
| In service | 1959-1989 |
| Manufacturer | BR Derby |
| Family name | Bed-Pan |
| Constructed | 1959 |
| Number built | 120 vehicles (30 sets) |
| Formation | 4 cars per unit |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 64 ft 0 in |
| Width | 9 ft 3 in |
| Height | 12 ft 4 1/2 in |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (112 km/h) |
| Weight | 40 tons |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 127 was a type of train called a diesel multiple unit. This means it was a train that could run on its own, powered by a diesel engine, without needing a separate locomotive. These trains were built in 1959 by BR Derby, a famous train-building factory in England.
Contents
What is a Class 127 Train?
The Class 127 trains were special because they were made up of four connected carriages. Each complete train was called a "unit." Imagine two carriages at each end that could drive the train, with two more carriages in the middle. This setup allowed them to carry many passengers.
How Many Were Built?
In total, 30 of these four-carriage units were built. This means there were 120 individual carriages made. They were designed to be strong and reliable for daily use.
Where Did They Run?
These trains were mostly used on busy routes, especially for commuters traveling to and from work. They were known for serving the line between London St Pancras and Bedford. Because of this, they were sometimes nicknamed "Bed-Pans."
How Fast Could They Go?
The Class 127 trains could reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour (about 112 kilometers per hour). This was a good speed for passenger trains in their time, allowing people to travel quickly between towns and cities.
When Were They Used?
These trains were in service for 30 years, from 1959 until 1989. After carrying millions of passengers, many were eventually taken out of service. Some were even changed into special parcel trains to carry mail and packages instead of people!
Class 127 Trains Today
Even though most Class 127 trains are no longer in regular service, a few have been saved. Train fans and history groups have restored some of them. You can sometimes see these preserved trains at special railway events or museums, like the Midland Railway Butterley. They help us remember an important part of British railway history.
Images for kids
-
A diesel powered class 127 operating under the wires in 1983.
-
A Class 127 at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley.
