British Rail Class 419 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 419 |
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|---|---|
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| In service | 1959 - |
| Manufacturer | BR Eastleigh |
| Number built | 10 |
| Formation | Single car |
| Operator(s) | British Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 90 mph 145 km/h |
| Weight | 45 ton |
| Prime mover(s) | 2 x 250 hp traction motors total 500 hp (373 kW) |
| Braking system(s) | Air (EP/Auto), also fitted with Vacuum exhauster for hauling vacuum brake fitted van stock |
The British Rail Class 419 trains were special electric trains. They were called Motor Luggage Vans, or MLVs for short. These trains were built between 1951 and 1961. They were made by British Rail at their Eastleigh factory.
Contents
What was the Class 419 MLV?
The Class 419 was not a train for passengers. Instead, it was designed to carry important items. Think of it like a moving storage unit on rails! It was an electric train, meaning it ran on electricity. This made it part of the "Electric Multiple Unit" (EMU) family of trains.
What did the Class 419 do?
These trains had a very important job. They were used to move luggage, parcels, and mail. They helped deliver things all across the railway network. Sometimes, they even helped move other trains. This was especially useful for trains that didn't have their own power. The Class 419 could pull them along.
How were they built?
Only 10 of these special trains were ever built. Each Class 419 was a single car. This means it was just one train carriage, not a long train with many cars. They were built at the Eastleigh Works. This was a big factory where many trains were made. The first ones started working in 1959.
Key Facts about the Class 419
The Class 419 trains were quite powerful for their size.
- They weighed about 45 tons.
- They could reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour (145 km/h).
- Each train had two engines. Each engine produced 250 horsepower. This gave the train a total of 500 horsepower!
- They used air brakes to stop. They also had a special system to help pull other trains that used vacuum brakes.
The Class 419 MLVs were an important part of the British Rail network. They helped keep things moving behind the scenes.
