British Rail Class 308 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 308
Class 308 at Leeds station.
In service	1961–2001
Manufacturer	BR York
Refurbishment	1981–1983, 1994
Number built	45 trainsets
Formation	4 cars (308/1 before 1994, 308/2) 3 cars (308/1 after 1994, 308/3)
Operator(s)	British Rail
Specifications
Maximum speed	75 mph (121 km/h)
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC Overhead
Track gauge	Standard gauge (1,435 mm)

The British Rail Class 308 was a special type of electric train. These trains were known as Electric Multiple Units, or EMUs. They were built by British Rail (BR) at their factory in York, England. Construction happened in stages between 1961 and 1962.

These trains were designed to run on electricity. They used a system called Alternating Current (AC). The Class 308 trains were first called 'AM8' units. This was before a new system called TOPS was introduced. TOPS helped British Rail keep track of all its trains.

What is an EMU?

An Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) is a type of train. It uses electricity for power. Unlike trains pulled by a separate engine, an EMU has its motors built into its passenger cars. This means each part of the train can help it move. EMUs are great for passenger services. They can speed up and slow down quickly. This makes them perfect for busy routes.

Building the Class 308 Trains

The Class 308 trains were built in York. This was a major manufacturing site for British Rail. A total of 45 train sets were made. Each set was usually made up of four connected cars. Later, some were changed to have three cars. These trains were designed to be strong and reliable. They served passengers for many years.

Where They Operated

The Class 308 trains were mainly used in different parts of England. They operated on lines that had overhead electric wires. These wires supplied the 25,000 volt AC electricity. The trains were a common sight on routes like the Great Eastern Main Line. They also served areas around London and the Midlands. Their job was to carry commuters and other passengers.

Speed and Power

These trains could reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour (about 121 kilometers per hour). This was quite fast for trains of their time. They got their power from overhead lines. This system is called 25 kV AC overhead electrification. It's a common way to power electric trains. The electricity flows from the wires into the train. This powers the motors and allows the train to move.

Life of the Class 308s

The Class 308 trains started service in 1961. They were an important part of British Rail's fleet. Over their long life, some trains were updated. This happened in the early 1980s and again in 1994. These updates helped keep them running well. The last Class 308 trains were retired in 2001. This means they served for about 40 years. They helped millions of people travel across the country.

Images for kids

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  308 136 at the Electric Railway Museum