British Rail Class 414 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 414 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1956-1984 |
| Manufacturer | BR Eastleigh |
| Number built | Unknown |
| Formation | power car + trailer car |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75mph 121km/h |
| Weight | Total - 72 tons |
| Prime mover(s) | 2 x 250 hp traction motors total 500 hp (373 kW) |
| Braking system(s) | Air (EP/Auto) |
The British Rail Class 414 trains were a type of electric multiple unit (EMU) that ran on the railways in Britain. They were also known by the code 2Hap. These trains were built between 1956 and 1963 and served passengers for many years.
Contents
What Was the British Rail Class 414?
The Class 414 was a special kind of train that used electricity to move. Unlike trains pulled by a separate engine, EMUs have their motors built right into the passenger cars. This made them very useful for carrying people on busy routes, especially around cities.
How Were These Trains Designed?
The Class 414 trains were made up of two main parts:
- A power car: This part had the electric motors that made the train go.
- A trailer car: This part was for passengers and did not have its own motors.
Together, these two cars formed a complete train unit. They were built by British Rail at Eastleigh, a famous place where many trains were made.
Power and Speed of the Class 414
Each Class 414 train had two powerful electric motors. Each motor could produce 250 horsepower, giving the train a total of 500 horsepower! This power allowed them to reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour (121 kilometers per hour). To give you an idea, that's faster than most cars are allowed to go on a highway!
The total weight of one of these two-car trains was about 72 tons. That's like the weight of about 12 large elephants!
When Did the Class 414 Trains Run?
These trains were in service for a long time, from 1956 until 1984. For almost 30 years, they helped people travel across parts of Britain. They were operated by British Rail, which was the main railway company in the UK at the time.
Where Did They Travel?
The Class 414 trains were mainly used on routes that had electric power lines above or beside the tracks. This was common in the southern parts of England, especially for commuter services. Commuter trains are those that carry people to and from work or school every day.
Why Were They Important?
The Class 414 trains, and other EMUs like them, were very important for modernizing Britain's railways after World War II. They offered a reliable and efficient way to transport many passengers, helping people get where they needed to go quickly and comfortably. They were a key part of daily life for many people living in the areas they served.
