British Rail Class 332 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 332 |
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Class 332 at Paddington
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| In service | 1998 - 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Siemens Mobility and CAF |
| Number built | 14 trainsets |
| Formation | 4-5 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 175 seats (4 cars) 239 seats (5 cars) |
| Operator(s) | Heathrow Express |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 105 mph (169 km/h) |
| Weight | 188.4 t (4 cars) 233.6 t (5 cars) |
| Power output | 1.4 MW |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative air brake |
| Safety system(s) | ATP |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm |
The British Rail Class 332 was a special type of electric multiple unit train. It was built to carry passengers quickly between London Paddington station and Heathrow Airport. These trains were a key part of the Heathrow Express service for many years.
There were 14 of these trains in total. Each train was made up of either four or five carriages. They were built in 1998 by two big companies: Siemens Mobility and CAF. The factory where they were put together was in Zaragoza, Spain.
Contents
Meet the Class 332 Trains
The Class 332 trains were designed for a very specific job. They needed to be fast and reliable to get people to and from one of the busiest airports in the world. An electric multiple unit (EMU) means the train runs on electricity and has its own engines on board. This is different from trains pulled by a separate locomotive.
Built for Speed and Comfort
These trains could travel very fast, reaching speeds of up to 105 mph (169 km/h). This helped passengers get to the airport quickly. Each train had many seats. A four-car train could carry 175 passengers, while a five-car train could hold 239 people.
The trains got their power from overhead lines. These lines carry 25,000 volts of alternating current (AC) electricity. This power helped the train's 1.4 megawatt engines run smoothly.
Safety First on the Tracks
Safety is very important for trains. The Class 332 trains had a special system called ATP. This system helps make sure trains follow speed limits and stop safely. It adds an extra layer of safety for everyone on board.
The Heathrow Express Journey
The Class 332 trains were made especially for the Heathrow Express route. This service connects central London with Heathrow Airport. It's a non-stop journey that takes about 15 minutes.
A Direct Link to the Airport
The route started at London Paddington station. This is a major train hub in London. From there, the trains went directly to Heathrow Airport. This direct link was very helpful for travelers. It meant they could avoid traffic and get to their flights on time.
Their Time in Service
The Class 332 trains began carrying passengers in 1998. They served the Heathrow Express route for over two decades. They were a familiar sight on the tracks for many years.
Retirement of the Fleet
After 22 years of service, the Class 332 trains were retired in 2020. Trains are usually retired when newer models become available or when they become too expensive to maintain. New trains often offer better technology, more comfort, or are more energy-efficient. The Class 332 trains played an important role in connecting London with its main airport for a long time.
