British Rail Class 402 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 402 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1939-1971 |
| Manufacturer | Eastleigh Works, frames from Lancing |
| Number built | 100 |
| Formation | DMBS-DTCK |
| Operator(s) | Southern Railway and British Railways |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75mph 121km/h |
| Weight | Total - 76 tons |
| Prime mover(s) | 2 x 275 hp traction motors total 550 hp (410 kW) |
| Braking system(s) | Air |
Imagine a time when trains were just starting to become electric! The 2Hal was a special type of electric train built in the late 1930s. These trains were designed by the Southern Railway in the United Kingdom to carry passengers on longer journeys, making fewer stops. They were called "semi-fast" because they were quicker than local trains but not as fast as express trains. Later, when British Rail took over, these reliable trains were given a new name: Class 402. They helped connect London with towns like Maidstone and Gillingham in Kent, making travel faster and more modern for people back then.
Contents
What Was the 2Hal Train?
The 2Hal trains were a big step forward for electric travel in the UK. They were part of a large project by the Southern Railway to electrify many of its lines. This meant trains could run on electricity instead of steam, which was cleaner and often faster. The "2Hal" name actually tells you a bit about the train's design. "2" meant it had two coaches, and "Hal" stood for "Hampshire and London," hinting at the routes they were meant to serve, even though they ended up on other lines too.
Building These Electric Trains
These trains were built by skilled workers at Eastleigh Works, a famous train factory. The main parts of the train's body, called frames, came from another factory in Lancing. A total of 100 of these two-coach trains were made, showing how important they were for the Southern Railway's plans. Building so many electric trains was a big achievement for the time.
How the 2Hal Trains Were Put Together
Each 2Hal train was made up of two main parts, or coaches. One coach was called a DMBS, which stands for Driving Motor Brake Second. This coach had the driver's cabin, the powerful electric motors that made the train move, and a luggage area (brake van) along with passenger seats. The other coach was a DTCK, which means Driving Trailer Composite Kitchen. This coach also had a driver's cabin, but it didn't have motors. It had different types of passenger seats (composite) and even a small kitchen area, which was quite fancy for trains back then! Together, these two coaches formed a complete train unit.
Power and Speed of the Class 402
The 2Hal trains were quite powerful for their time. They had two electric motors, each providing 275 horsepower. This gave the train a total of 550 horsepower, which is about the same power as a few large cars combined! This power allowed them to reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour (121 kilometers per hour). Imagine how exciting that must have been for passengers in the 1930s! To stop safely, the trains used air brakes, a common and reliable braking system.
How Much Did They Weigh?
Even though they were only two coaches long, these trains were quite heavy. The total weight of one 2Hal unit was about 76 tons. That's like weighing as much as about 10 large elephants! This weight helped them stay stable on the tracks, especially at their top speed.
Who Operated These Trains?
The 2Hal trains were first used by the Southern Railway starting in 1939. They were a key part of the Southern Railway's modern electric network. After World War II, in 1948, all the different railway companies in Britain were brought together to form British Rail. The 2Hal trains then became part of the British Rail fleet and were given their new name, Class 402. They continued to serve passengers for many more years under British Rail.
When Were They in Service?
These hard-working trains had a long life on the railways. They started carrying passengers in 1939 and continued to do so until 1971. That's over 30 years of service! They saw many changes in Britain, from the start of World War II to the swinging sixties. Their long service shows how well-built and reliable they were.
