British Rail Class 155 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 155 "Super-Sprinter" |
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155341 at Castleton East Junction
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| In service | 1987 - present |
| Manufacturer | British Leyland |
| Family name | Sprinter |
| Refurbishment | 2006 - 2007 |
| Number built | 1987 - 1988 |
| Formation | 2 car |
| Operator(s) | Northern Rail |
| Line(s) served | Caldervale Line, Harrogate Line |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75mph |
| Prime mover(s) | Cummins NT855-R5 |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS |
| Track gauge | 1435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
The Class 155 "Super-Sprinter" is a special type of train called a diesel multiple unit. These trains were built in the United Kingdom by British Leyland between 1987 and 1988. They were designed to replace older diesel trains used by British Rail.
Contents
Meet the Super-Sprinters!
The Class 155 trains are part of the "Sprinter" family of trains. They were built to make train travel better and more modern. These trains helped improve local and regional services across the UK.
What is a DMU?
A diesel multiple unit (DMU) is a train that has its own engine. This means it does not need a separate locomotive to pull it. Each car in a DMU can have its own engine. This makes them flexible and efficient for many routes.
Built for the Future
The Class 155 trains were built to replace older, first-generation diesel trains. These older trains were getting old and needed to be updated. The new Super-Sprinters offered a more comfortable and reliable journey for passengers. They were a big step forward for British Rail.
Key Features
The Class 155 trains have several interesting features. They were designed to be modern and efficient for their time.
Design and Construction
These trains were built by British Leyland at their factory in Workington. Interestingly, they used some parts that were also found in Leyland National buses. This helped make them cost-effective to build. Each Class 155 train is made up of two connected cars.
Power and Speed
The Class 155 trains are powered by a Cummins NT855-R5 engine. This engine allows them to reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour (about 120 kilometers per hour). This speed is good for the local and regional lines they serve.
Safety First
Safety is very important on trains. The Class 155 trains are fitted with two main safety systems. One is the Automatic Warning System (AWS). The other is the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS). These systems help the driver operate the train safely and prevent accidents.
Where They Run Today
The Class 155 trains have been in service since 1987. They have been running for many years.
Current Operators
Today, these trains are operated by Northern Rail. They are an important part of Northern's train fleet.
Lines Served
You can often find Class 155 trains running on specific routes. These include the Caldervale Line and the Harrogate Line. They help connect towns and cities in these areas.
Refurbishment
To keep them in good condition, the Class 155 trains underwent a major update. This refurbishment happened between 2006 and 2007. This work helped to modernize their interiors and keep them running smoothly.
Images for kids
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WYPTE Class 155 No. 155341 at Castleton East Junction, in the original carmine and cream livery
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Northern Rail Class 155 (rear) coupled with two Class 153s arranged in their original formation at Leeds railway station
