British Rail Class 932 facts for kids

The British Rail Class 932 was a special group of train carriages in Britain. These weren't regular passenger trains! Instead, they were old electric or diesel trains from the Southern Region that were changed to do special jobs for the railway company.

Originally, these Class 932 trains were used for important research and as "tractor units" (which means they helped move other railway equipment). But over time, other types of converted trains also joined this special Class 932 group.

What are Departmental Trains?

Departmental trains are like the "utility vehicles" of the railway world. They don't carry passengers or freight in the usual way. Instead, they are used by the railway company itself for many different tasks. Think of them as the railway's own workshop on wheels, or a mobile lab!

Why Convert Old Trains?

It's often cheaper and quicker to take an old train carriage and change it for a new purpose than to build a brand new one from scratch. When a train is no longer needed for passengers, it might still have a strong frame and working wheels. Railway engineers can then remove the seats, add special equipment, and give it a new life. This is a smart way to recycle and save money!

Jobs for Class 932 Trains

The Class 932 trains, being "departmental units," had many interesting jobs:

• Research: Some were turned into mobile laboratories. Scientists and engineers would use them to test new railway technology, like how tracks wear down or how new signals work. They might have special sensors and computers inside.
• Tractor Units: These trains could be used to move other railway vehicles around, especially in depots or workshops. They were strong enough to pull non-powered carriages or even other broken-down trains.
• Maintenance: Other trains in this class might have been used for maintaining the railway lines. They could carry tools, equipment, or even small crews of workers to fix problems on the tracks.

Electric and Diesel Trains

The Class 932 included both electric and diesel trains.

• Electric Multiple Units (EMUs): These trains get their power from overhead electric lines or a third rail on the ground. They are "multiple units" because they are made of several carriages that can all drive themselves, so they don't need a separate engine.
• Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs): These trains use a diesel engine to generate electricity, which then powers electric motors that turn the wheels. They are also "multiple units" because each carriage can contribute to the train's movement.

The Southern Region of British Rail, where these trains originally came from, had a lot of electric lines, so it makes sense that many of the converted trains were electric.