British Rail Class AM1 facts for kids
Class AM1 was a special type of train used for testing new technology. These trains were called "prototype" electric multiple units, which means they were the first of their kind, built to try out new ideas before making many more. They were created in 1952 by changing older trains that ran on a different kind of electricity.
The Class AM1 trains were used on a specific railway line that connected the towns of Lancaster, Morecambe, and Heysham. This route was chosen because it already had an electric power system.
What was the Class AM1 Train?
The Class AM1 was a "prototype" train. This means it was a test model, like a first version of a new invention. Engineers used it to see if new ideas for electric trains would work well. An electric multiple unit (often called an EMU) is a train that gets its power from electricity and has its own engines, so it doesn't need a separate locomotive to pull it.
Why was it Special?
What made the Class AM1 trains unique was how they got their power. They were designed to run on a type of electricity called AC (alternating current). This was a big change because most electric trains in Britain at the time used DC (direct current). The Lancaster/Morecambe/Heysham line originally used AC power at 6.6 kilovolts (kV) and 25 Hertz (Hz). However, in 1953, the power frequency was changed to 50 Hz specifically to test the new Class AM1 trains. This test was very important for the future of electric trains in Britain.
Where did it Run?
The Class AM1 trains operated on a coastal railway line in Lancashire, England. This route connected the city of Lancaster with the seaside towns of Morecambe and Heysham. It was a good place to test the new trains because it was already set up for electric power.
How was it Made?
The Class AM1 trains weren't built entirely from scratch. Instead, they were converted from older trains that used a "fourth-rail DC electric stock" system. This means the original trains got their power from a special fourth rail on the track that carried direct current electricity. For the Class AM1, these trains were rebuilt to use the new alternating current system.
