British Rail Class 206 facts for kids

The British Rail Class 206 was a special type of train in the United Kingdom. It was a diesel-electric multiple unit, often called a DEMU. These trains were first created in 1964. People gave them a fun nickname: 'Tadpole' units!

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 206
Class 206 3R unit at Guildford, June 1979
In service	1964 – early 1990s
Number built	6
Formation	unknown
Operator(s)	British Rail
Specifications
Maximum speed	unknown
Prime mover(s)	English Electric 4-cylinder type 4SRKT Mark II of 500 bhp at 850 rpm

What Was the Class 206?

The Class 206 was a type of train that ran on diesel fuel and used electricity to power its motors. It was made by combining parts from two other train classes. These were the Class 201 and the Class 416 trains.

Why Were They Created?

These trains were put together for a specific job. They were meant to run services on the North Downs Line. This route connected Reading, Redhill, and Tonbridge.

How Many Were There?

• Six train sets were made.
• Each set had three cars, or sections.
• Their numbers were 1201 through 1206.

The 'Tadpole' Nickname

The Class 206 trains got their nickname 'Tadpole' because of how they looked.

• One end of the train used a car from the Class 416. This part was wider.
• The other end used cars from the Class 201. These parts were narrower.
• This difference in width made the train look like a tadpole, with a wide 'head' and a narrower 'tail'.