British Rail Class 252 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 252 |
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Prototype HST 252 001 at Weston-super-Mare in 1975.
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| Manufacturer | BREL Crewe |
| Constructed | 1972 |
| Number built | 1 trainset |
| Number in service | 0 |
| Formation | Two power cars flanking 10 Mark 3 coaches |
| Fleet numbers | 252 001 |
| Operator(s) | British Rail Western Region |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Prime mover(s) | Paxman Valenta 12RP200L, 2 off |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
The Class 252 was a very special train. It was a "prototype" or test model for the famous InterCity 125 trains. Think of it as the first version of a new invention. This single train, numbered 252001, helped British Rail create one of the fastest and most successful trains in the world.
Contents
What was the Class 252?
The Class 252 was a unique train built in 1972. It was designed to test new ideas for high-speed travel. This train was the very first step towards the InterCity 125. The InterCity 125 became a symbol of fast and modern rail travel in Britain.
Why was this train built?
In the 1970s, British Rail wanted to make train journeys much faster. They needed trains that could travel at 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). This would help people travel between major cities more quickly. The Class 252 was built to see if this high speed was possible and safe.
Designing a fast train
The Class 252 trainset had a special design. It had two powerful engines, one at each end. These engines were called "power cars." In between the power cars were ten passenger coaches. These coaches were known as Mark 3 coaches.
The power cars used strong Paxman Valenta engines. These engines gave the train enough power to reach very high speeds. The Mark 3 coaches were also new and special. They were designed to give passengers a smooth and comfortable ride, even at high speeds.
What happened to the Class 252?
Only one Class 252 train was ever built. It was used for many tests to make sure the design worked well. Engineers tested its speed, safety, and comfort. These tests were very important. They showed that the new high-speed train concept was a success.
Even though the Class 252 itself didn't carry passengers for regular service, its tests led to something big. The knowledge gained from this prototype helped create the InterCity 125. The InterCity 125 trains became very popular and served Britain for many years. So, the Class 252 was a true pioneer in high-speed rail.
