British Rail Class 323 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 323 |
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London Midland liveried 323201 stands at Birmingham New Street.
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| In service | 1994 - present |
| Manufacturer | Hunslet TPL |
| Number built | 43 |
| Formation | Three car |
| Capacity | End Units 97 seats Central Unit 81 seats Total capacity 275 seats |
| Operator(s) | Northern Trains West Midlands Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | End Units 23.37 m Central Unit 23.44 m |
| Width | 2.80 metres (9.2 ft) |
| Height | 3.78 metres (12.4 ft) |
| Maximum speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) |
| Weight | 119.8 tonnes |
| Power output | 1.168 MW |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative Air Brake |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge 1,435 mm (56.5 in) |
The British Rail Class 323 is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU) train. These trains were built by a company called Hunslet TPL. They were made between 1992 and 1996.
A total of 43 trains were built. Each train has three cars or sections. They were designed for busy local train services. These services run in and around big cities like Birmingham and Manchester.
Contents
About the Class 323 Trains
The Class 323 trains are special because they were some of the last trains made by Hunslet TPL. This company faced some challenges and stopped building trains after these.
Where Do Class 323 Trains Run?
These trains mostly serve two main areas in England. They are used for local journeys in and around Greater Manchester. They also operate in the West Midlands area, which includes Birmingham.
You can often see them on routes connecting towns and cities. They help people travel short distances for work, school, or fun.
What Makes Them Electric?
Class 323 trains are electric. This means they get their power from overhead lines. These lines carry 25,000 volts of AC electricity.
Electric trains are often quieter and produce less pollution. This makes them a good choice for busy city areas.
How Fast Can They Go?
These trains can reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour. This speed is good for the inner-city and suburban routes they serve. They need to make frequent stops, so high speeds are not always needed.
How Many People Can Ride?
Each three-car Class 323 train can carry many passengers. The two end cars have 97 seats each. The middle car has 81 seats. In total, one train can seat 275 people. This makes them great for carrying lots of commuters.
Images for kids
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London Midland 323241 at Birmingham New Street in September 2014
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West Midlands Trains 323221 at Sutton Coldfield in April 2021
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323225 in debranded First North Western livery at Manchester Piccadilly in August 2007
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Northern Rail 323235 at Stockport in May 2014
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Northern Trains 323231 at Liverpool Lime Street in May 2021
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