British Rail Class 312 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 312
Class 312, nos. 312718 and 312721, at Kirby Cross station in Essex on the 6th March 2004. These units were operating a farewell excursion train ('The Grand Slam') to commemorate their retirement from service. These two units were among the final three of their type in traffic with First Great Eastern, and were eventually withdrawn in June 2004.
In service	1966 - 2004
Manufacturer	BREL York
Number built	49 trainsets
Formation	4 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	British Rail
Specifications
Maximum speed	90 mph (145 km/h)
Weight	Total - 156.6 tonnes
Braking system(s)	Air (EP/Auto)
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)

The British Rail Class 312 was a special type of electric train built in the United Kingdom. These trains were designed to carry passengers on longer trips outside of big cities. They were built between 1966 and 1974.

The front of a British Railways Class 312 stock train in InterCity Blue/Grey livery passes through East London on a working to London Liverpool Street Station, as seen from the open window of another train. The yellow stripe above the windows denotes the 1st class seating, which is at the London end of the train for the convenience of 1st class passengers (so they will be nearer the ticket barrier when they alight).

What Was the Class 312 Train?

The Class 312 was an electric multiple unit (EMU). This means it was a train made of several carriages that could all move together using electricity. It was one of the last trains built using the design of the British Railways Mark 2 carriages.

Key Features of the Class 312

A unique feature of these trains was their "slam doors." These were train doors that passengers had to open and close by hand, making a "slamming" sound. This design was common on older trains.

Why Were They Retired Early?

Because of their slam doors, these trains were taken out of service earlier than expected. Most trains are designed to last about 30 years. However, many Class 312 trains were retired when they were only 25 to 28 years old. This was because modern trains have automatic sliding doors, which are safer and more convenient.

Images for kids

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  c2c 312792 at Shoeburyness in March 2003