British Rail Class 156 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 156 "Super-Sprinter" |
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Class 156 no. 156419 at Sudbury, newly repainted into the National Express East Anglia livery, with a service to Marks Tey
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| In service | 1987 - present |
| Manufacturer | Metro-Cammell |
| Family name | Sprinter |
| Number built | 114, from 1987 to 1989 |
| Formation | 2 car |
| Operator(s) | East Midlands Trains First ScotRail National Express East Anglia Northern Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 23m |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph |
| Prime mover(s) | Cummins NT855-R5 |
| Power output | 285 hp |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
The British Rail Class 156 "Super-Sprinter" is a type of train. It is a diesel multiple unit (DMU). This means it runs on diesel fuel and has its own engines. It does not need a separate locomotive to pull it.
These trains were built between 1987 and 1989. A company called Metro-Cammell made 114 of them. They were built in Birmingham, England.
Contents
What is a Super-Sprinter Train?
The Class 156 trains are called "Super-Sprinters." They are part of a family of trains known as "Sprinters." These trains were designed to be fast and efficient. They are used for passenger services across different parts of the UK.
Each Class 156 train is made up of two connected cars. This design helps them carry many passengers. They can travel at speeds up to 75 miles per hour.
Why Were They Built?
The Class 156 trains were built for an important reason. They replaced older trains that were getting too old. These older trains were from the "First Generation" of DMUs. They also replaced trains that needed a separate engine to pull them.
The new Super-Sprinters offered a more modern way to travel. They provided better comfort and reliability for passengers. This helped improve train services in many areas.
Where Do Super-Sprinters Run?
Since 1987, Class 156 trains have been in service. They have been used by many different train companies. These companies include East Midlands Trains and ScotRail. They also ran with National Express East Anglia and Northern Rail.
You can still see these trains running today. They are often used on regional routes. These routes connect towns and cities across the country.
Key Features of the Class 156
Each car of a Class 156 train is about 23 meters long. They are powered by two Cummins engines. Each engine provides 285 hp. This power helps the train reach its top speed.
The trains also have important safety systems. These include AWS and TPWS. These systems help the driver operate the train safely.
Images for kids
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156438 in Regional Railways colours in May 1989.
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156508 in Strathclyde colours at Carlisle Citadel in 1994.
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First ScotRail 156457 at Oban in June 2005.
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Northern Spirit coloured 156473 at Buxton in September 2007.
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East Midlands Trains 156406 at Derby in February 2012.
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