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British Rail Metro-Cammell facts for kids

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British Rail Metro-Cammell
In service 1955–1981
Manufacturer Metropolitan Cammell
Number built 36 sets (72 cars)
Formation 2 car sets: DMBS-DTSL or DMBS-DTCL
Capacity DMBS: 57 or 53 second class seats
DTSL: 72 second class
DTCL: 12 first and 53 second class
Operator(s) British Rail
Specifications
Car length 57 feet (17 m)
Width 9 feet (2.7 m)
Weight DMBS: 31 long tons 10 cwt (70,500 pounds (32,000 kg))
DTSL: 25 long tons 0 cwt (56,000 pounds (25,000 kg))
Prime mover(s) Two BUT (AEC) 6-cylinder diesels of 150 horsepower (110 kW) each
Transmission Mechanical: 4-speed epicyclic gearbox
Braking system(s) Vacuum
Track gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)

The British Rail Metro-Cammell trains were a special type of train built in the United Kingdom. They were among the first lightweight Diesel multiple units (DMUs) made by a company called Metropolitan Cammell. These trains started running in 1955. They became very important for British Rail, which was the main railway company in Britain at the time.

What is a DMU?

A DMU stands for Diesel Multiple Unit. This means it's a train that runs on diesel fuel. The "multiple unit" part means that each carriage (or car) of the train can have its own engine. This is different from a train pulled by a separate locomotive. DMUs can be joined together to make longer trains. They can also be split into shorter trains. This makes them very flexible for different routes and passenger numbers.

Why DMUs were great

Before DMUs, most trains were pulled by steam locomotives. These were powerful but also dirty and needed a lot of maintenance. Diesel trains were cleaner and more efficient. DMUs were especially good because they could run in both directions without needing to turn the train around. This saved a lot of time at stations.

The Class 101: A Success Story

The Metro-Cammell trains were the first models for what became the British Rail Class 101. The Class 101 was one of the most successful and long-lasting DMU types in Britain. They were so good that they were used for many years, even decades!

Design and Features

These trains were designed to be lightweight. This helped them to be fuel-efficient and quick. Each train set usually had two cars. One car was called a DMBS (Driving Motor Brake Second). It had an engine, a driver's cab, and second-class seats. The other car was either a DTSL (Driving Trailer Second Lavatory) or a DTCL (Driving Trailer Composite Lavatory). These cars also had a driver's cab but no engine. They had more seats, and some even had first-class sections.

Power and Speed

Each DMBS car had two diesel engines. Each engine produced 150 horsepower. This gave the train enough power to accelerate well and reach its top speed. They used a special gearbox, similar to what you might find in a car, but much bigger. The trains used vacuum brakes to slow down and stop safely.

Life on the Tracks

The Metro-Cammell DMUs, especially the Class 101s, were used all over Britain. They ran on local and regional lines. They were popular because they were reliable and comfortable for passengers. They helped to modernize the railway system in the 1950s and 60s.

Passenger Comfort

The trains offered different seating options. The second-class seats were for most passengers. Some sets also had first-class seats, which were a bit more spacious. The design focused on getting people to their destinations efficiently.

Why were they important?

The British Rail Metro-Cammell trains were important for several reasons:

  • They helped replace older, less efficient steam trains.
  • They showed how successful DMUs could be for passenger services.
  • The Class 101, based on these prototypes, became a backbone of the British railway network for many years.
  • They were a key part of modernizing British railways in the mid-20th century.

These trains served the public for many years, from 1955 until 1981. They played a big role in the history of British trains.

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