British Rail Class 401 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 401 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1935-1969 |
| Manufacturer | SR Eastleigh, frames from Lancing |
| Formation | power car + driving trailer |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75mph 121km/h |
| Weight | Total - 74 tons 15cwt |
| Prime mover(s) | 2 x 275 hp traction motors total 550 hp (410 kW) |
| Braking system(s) | Air |
The 2Bil was a special type of electric train used in Britain. It was built in the 1930s by the Southern Railway (SR). These trains were designed to run on electricity using a "third rail" system. They were used for medium-distance journeys on new electric lines from London to places like Eastbourne, Portsmouth, and Reading. Later, when British Rail took over, these trains were given a new name: Class 401.
Contents
What Was the 2Bil Train?
The 2Bil was an early type of electric multiple unit, often called an EMU. This means it was a train made of several cars that could run by themselves, without needing a separate engine. The "2" in 2Bil meant it had two cars. The "Bil" came from "Bogie Lavatory," because these trains had toilets (lavatories) and their wheels were on special turning frames called bogies.
Why Were These Trains Built?
In the 1930s, the Southern Railway was busy making many of its train lines electric. This was a big change from steam trains. Electric trains were faster, cleaner, and quieter. The 2Bil trains were needed to carry passengers on these new electric routes. They were designed for "semi-fast" services, meaning they stopped at some stations but skipped others, making journeys quicker for people traveling longer distances.
How Were They Designed?
Each 2Bil train was made up of two main parts:
- A power car: This car had the electric motors that made the train move.
- A driving trailer: This car had a driver's cab at one end, allowing the train to be driven from either direction. It also had seats for passengers.
These trains got their power from a "third rail" system. This is an extra rail alongside the main tracks that carries electricity. The train collects power from this rail using a special shoe. The trains could reach a top speed of about 75 miles per hour (121 km/h).
Life on the Tracks
The first 2Bil trains started carrying passengers in 1935. They were a common sight on the Southern Railway's electric lines for many years. They helped millions of people travel across the south of England. These trains were known for being reliable and comfortable for their time.
What Does 'TOPS' Mean?
The 2Bil trains were used for a long time. In the late 1960s, British Rail introduced a new system called TOPS (which stands for "Total Operations Processing System"). This system gave every type of train a special number, or "class" number. This helped British Rail keep track of all its trains. That's why the 2Bil trains were then called Class 401. Most of these trains were retired from service by 1969, after serving for over 30 years.
