British Rail Class 205 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 205 |
|
|---|---|
Class 205, no. 205009 at London Victoria station
on 15 August 2003 |
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| In service | 1957–2004 |
| Manufacturer | BR Eastleigh |
| Number built | 34 trainsets |
| Formation | 2/3 cars per trainset |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight | 56 |
| Prime mover(s) | English Electric 4-cylinder type 4SRKT Mark II of 600 bhp (450 kW) at 850 rpm |
The British Rail Class 205 trains were a type of diesel-electric multiple unit. This means they were self-powered trains that didn't need a separate locomotive. They were also known as "3H" units. These trains were built by British Rail at their Eastleigh railway works. Construction took place from 1957 to 1962. They served passengers for many years, until 2004.
Contents
What Were Class 205 Trains?
The Class 205 trains were designed to run on lines that didn't have electric power. They used a diesel engine to generate electricity. This electricity then powered motors that turned the wheels. Each train usually had two or three carriages linked together. This made them flexible for different routes and passenger numbers.
Why Were They Special?
These trains were known for being reliable and strong. They could reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour (121 km/h). The engine was an English Electric type, providing 600 horsepower. This power allowed them to carry many passengers across various routes. They were a common sight on many railway lines in the south of England.
Where Can You See Them Now?
Many Class 205 trains have been saved and are now preserved. This is thanks to a company called Porterbrook Leasing. They made sure that most of the trains still working at the end of their service were kept. Only one train, number 205012, was not saved. Its engine was used to help another old train, a Class 207 unit.
You can visit many of these preserved trains at heritage railways. These are special railways where old trains are kept and sometimes run for visitors. It's a great way to see a piece of railway history!
Here are some of the places where Class 205 units are preserved:
- 205001 - East Kent Railway (a 2-car train)
- 205008 - Preserved by the Hastings Diesels Group, sometimes runs at the Lavender Line
- 205009 - Eden Valley Railway (a 3-car train)
- 205018 - Lavender Line (a 2-car train)
- 205023 - At Swindon and Cricklade Railway
- 205025 - Mid-Hants Railway (a 2-car train)
- 205027 - Stored at St Leonards Depot
- 205028 - Dartmoor Railway (a 3-car train)
- 205031 - Stored at St Leonards Depot
- 205032 - Dartmoor Railway (a 3-car train)
- 205033 - Parts at Cold Norton and Lavender Line
- 205205 - Epping Ongar Railway (a 2-car train)
Images for kids
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Class 205, no. 205032 at London Bridge on 15 August 2003, heading to Uckfield. This train is now preserved.
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Train 1126 (which was 205 026) in its blue British Rail colours at St Denys in 1979.
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Train 205009 in Connex South Central colours in 2004 at East Croydon, before it was preserved.
