British Rail Class 456 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 456 |
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Class 456 units at East Dulwich station.
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| In service | 1990 - Current |
| Manufacturer | BREL |
| Constructed | 1990 - 1991 |
| Refurbishment | 2005 |
| Number built | 24 trainsets |
| Formation | 2 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | 456001 - 456024 |
| Operator(s) | South West Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight | 72½ t |
| Braking system(s) | Air (westcode) |
The British Rail Class 456 trains are a special type of electric train. They are called "Electric Multiple Units" (EMUs) because they use electricity to move and can run as a complete train set. These trains were built by a company called BREL at their factory in York, England.
Building started in 1990 and finished in 1991. A total of 24 trains were made. Each train was made up of two carriages. They were built to replace older trains, specifically the Class 416 trains, which had been running for a long time.
Contents
What are Class 456 Trains?
The Class 456 trains are designed for carrying many passengers. They are electric, which means they get their power from overhead lines or a third rail. This makes them a clean way to travel. Each train set has two carriages, meaning it's a shorter train. This makes them good for busy routes where trains need to stop often.
Where Did They Run?
When they were first built, the Class 456 trains worked on the "Central Division" of the Southern Region of British Rail. This area covers many routes in the south of England, including lines into London. They were a common sight on these busy commuter lines.
Over the years, these trains have been used by different train companies. They have helped millions of people get to work, school, or visit friends and family.
How They Looked
When the Class 456 trains first started running, they had a special paint job. This was called the Network SouthEast livery. It was a bright and colourful design with blue, red, and white stripes. This made them easy to spot and very recognisable.
Later on, some of the trains were repainted. They got new colours to match the companies that operated them. For example, some trains were painted in the green and white colours of the Southern train company.
Inside the Train
The inside of the Class 456 trains was designed for passengers. They had seats for people to sit down during their journey. Over time, some of the trains were updated. This meant they got new seats and a fresh look inside. These updates made the trains more comfortable for everyone travelling.
Their Journey Continues
The Class 456 trains have been in service for many years. They have travelled countless miles and carried huge numbers of passengers. Even though they are older trains, they have been well-maintained. This shows how well they were built and how important they are for transport in the south of England.
Images for kids
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The Class 456s were originally delivered in Network SouthEast livery
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The joint Southern/Transport for London CCTV advertising liveried Southern Metro Class 456 No. 456006 at London Bridge.
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The interior of a Southern refreshed Class 456.
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South Western Railway 456020 at Hampton Court in 2018
