British Rail Class 139 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 139 |
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139 001 on display at Tyseley, 28 June 2008.
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| In service | 2008- |
| Manufacturer | Parry People Movers |
| Family name | PPM |
| Number built | 2 vehicles under construction |
| Formation | 1 car |
| Capacity | 60 |
| Operator(s) | London Midland |
| Line(s) served | Stourbridge Town Branch Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 9.6 m |
| Width | 2.4 m |
| Height | 3.2 m |
| Maximum speed | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Traction system | 1,000–2,600 RPM flywheel |
| Prime mover(s) | Ford DSG423 diesel |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge (1,435 mm) |
The Class 139 is a special type of small train, called a railcar. It was built by a company called Parry People Movers. These trains are designed to be light and efficient. They are used on the main train tracks in Great Britain. The first Class 139 trains were made in 2008. They were made to run on the Stourbridge Town Branch Line.
Contents
What is a Class 139 Train?
The Class 139 is a modern railcar. It is known for being very light. This helps it save fuel. It was given the name "Class 139" by a system called TOPS. This system helps to classify all trains on the national rail network.
How it Works: The Flywheel Engine
One cool thing about the Class 139 is how it moves. It uses a special engine that has a flywheel. A flywheel is like a heavy spinning wheel. It stores energy.
- When the train slows down, the flywheel spins faster, saving energy.
- When the train needs to speed up, the flywheel releases this energy.
This makes the train very good at saving fuel. It also helps the train stop and start smoothly.
Where Does the Class 139 Run?
These trains are mainly used on the Stourbridge Town Branch Line. This is a short train line in England. It connects Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town. The Class 139 trains are perfect for this line. They are small and can carry about 60 people. This makes them great for short, busy trips.
Key Features of the Class 139
The Class 139 trains have some important features. They are designed to be easy to use and maintain.
Train Size and Speed
Each Class 139 train is made of one car. It is about 9.6 meters long. That's about the length of two cars. It can go up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour). This speed is good for the short journeys it makes.
Passenger Capacity
Even though it's a small train, it can carry a good number of people. Each train can hold up to 60 passengers. This makes it a useful train for local routes.
Images for kids
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999 900 approaches Stourbridge Town, 12 March 2006.
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139 002 approaching Stourbridge Junction.
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139 001 on display at Tyseley, 28 June 2008.
