British Rail Class 487 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 487
Class 487 at NRM
In service	1940-1993
Manufacturer	English Electric
Built at	Dick, Kerr works, Preston
Number built	28 vehicles (12 DMBSO, 16 TSO)
Formation	One DMBSO, or two DMBSO flanking up to 3 TSO
Fleet numbers	DMBSO: 51–62 TSO: 71–86
Capacity	DMBSO: 40 seats, 40 standing TSO: 52 seats, 52 standing
Operator(s)	British Rail Southern Region Network SouthEast
Specifications
Car length	14.33 m (47 ft 0 in) 49 ft 1+3⁄4 in (14.98 m)
Width	8 ft 7+3⁄4 in (2.64 m)
Height	9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Maximum speed	35 mph
Power output	EE 190 hp (140 kW) traction motor, 2 off
Track gauge	Standard

The British Rail Class 487 trains were special electric trains. They were built in 1940 by a company called English Electric. These trains were made to run on a specific underground line in London. This line is known as the Waterloo & City line. It connects Waterloo station to Bank station in the city.

What Were Class 487 Trains?

The Class 487 trains were a type of electric multiple unit. This means they were trains that could run on their own using electricity. They did not need a separate engine to pull them. These trains were designed for a unique underground railway.

Built for the Waterloo & City Line

The Waterloo & City line is a short underground railway in London. It connects two very important places. One is Waterloo station, a major train hub. The other is Bank station, in the heart of London's financial district. The Class 487 trains were built just for this busy route.

When Were They Built?

These trains were built in 1940. This was during World War II. They were made by English Electric at their factory in Preston, England. A total of 28 vehicles were built. This included 12 driving motor cars and 16 trailer cars.

How Did They Work?

Class 487 trains were powered by electricity. They used special motors to move. Each motor had about 190 horsepower. This allowed the trains to reach a top speed of 35 miles per hour. This speed was perfect for the short distances on the Waterloo & City line.

Train Carriages

The trains were made up of different types of carriages. Some were called DMBSO cars. These were driving motor brake second open carriages. They had a driver's cab and motors. They also had seats for passengers. Each DMBSO car could hold 40 seated passengers and 40 standing.

Other carriages were TSO cars. These were trailer second open carriages. They did not have a driver's cab or motors. They were pulled along by the DMBSO cars. Each TSO car could hold 52 seated passengers and 52 standing.

Who Operated These Trains?

When they were first built, the trains were operated by the Southern Region of British Rail. Later, they were also used by Network SouthEast. This was a part of British Rail that ran trains in the south-east of England. The trains were kept at a special depot near Waterloo station.

How Long Did They Run?

The Class 487 trains were in service for a very long time. They started running in 1940. They continued to carry passengers until 1993. This means they served London for over 50 years! They were a familiar sight for many commuters.

Life of the Class 487 Trains

The Class 487 trains were known for their unique design. They had a special look that made them stand out. Inside, they were designed to carry many people. This was important for a busy underground line.

Inside the Carriages

The inside of the carriages was simple and practical. The driving motor cars had three passenger doors on each side. The trailer cars had two sets of twin sliding doors. This helped people get on and off quickly. The internal air vents even featured the 'Southern Railway' logo.

A Long Service Life

These trains were very reliable. They worked hard for many decades. They saw many changes in London and in the railway system. Their long service life shows how well they were built. They were eventually replaced by newer trains on the Waterloo & City line.

Images for kids

• 

  Class 487 vehicle alongside a 1967 Stock unit at the London Transport Museum depot in Acton

• 

  A Class 487 Waterloo & City line driving motor carriage in Network SouthEast livery being stored near to the National Railway Museum in York. These featured just three passenger doors per side - arranged as a pair and a single.

• 

  The internal air vents at the carriage ends on the Class 487 Waterloo & City line driving motor carriages featured a 'Southern Railway' logo, whilst on the trailers the logo was 'Southern Region'.

• 

  Inside a Class 487 Waterloo & City line driving motor carriage

• 

  Class 487 Waterloo & City line trailer second open carriage in BR Blue. Unlike the driving motors these featured two sets of twin sliding passenger doors.

• 

  Inside a Class 487 Waterloo & City line trailer second open carriage

• 

  Interior of a Class 487 train

• 

  No. 61 at the LT Museum Depot

• 

  Empty Class 487 stock, at the old sidings near Waterloo station, in 1988. Two trailers and one motor coach are shown in the original painting scheme.