British Rail Class 502 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 502 |
|
|---|---|
| In service | 1940-1980 |
| Manufacturer | LMS Derby Works |
| Operator(s) | LMS and British Railways |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 66 ft 6 in |
| Width | 9 ft 5 in |
| Maximum speed | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Weight | 41 tons |
| Power output | 4 x 235 hp traction motors total 940 hp (701 kW) |
| Electric system(s) | 630 volt dc 3rd rail |
| Track gauge | standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 502 was a special type of electric multiple unit (EMU) train. These trains were built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) at their Derby Carriage and Wagon Works workshop. They started running in 1940 and were taken out of service by 1980. For their entire working life, these trains served the electric railway lines in the northern part of Liverpool.
Contents
What Was the Class 502?
The Class 502 was an electric train designed to carry passengers. It was called an "electric multiple unit" because it was made of several carriages that could all move together, powered by electricity. This meant the train didn't need a separate engine at the front.
Building the Trains
The trains were built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, often called LMS. This was one of the biggest railway companies in Britain at the time. Their Derby Works workshop was a famous place where many trains were designed and built. The Class 502 trains were made to run on specific electric lines.
Life on the Tracks
The Class 502 trains were used by two main railway companies. First, they were operated by the LMS, the company that built them. Later, after 1948, they were operated by British Railways. British Railways was formed when many smaller railway companies in the UK joined together.
These trains spent all their time working in the north of Liverpool. They ran on railway lines that used electricity to power the trains. This electricity came from a special "third rail" placed alongside the main tracks. The trains collected power from this rail to make their motors work.
Design and Features
Each carriage of a Class 502 train was quite long, about 66 feet and 6 inches (around 20 meters). They were also about 9 feet and 5 inches (about 2.8 meters) wide. The trains were designed to be efficient for passenger travel.
The Class 502 could reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour (about 113 kilometers per hour). This speed was good for the routes they operated. They had four powerful motors, each providing 235 horsepower. This gave the train a total power of 940 horsepower, which is a lot of power for an electric train.
End of the Line
The Class 502 trains served the Liverpool area for many years. They were a common sight on the electric lines for four decades. By 1980, after 40 years of service, these trains were retired. Newer, more modern trains took their place.
