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Docklands Light Railway rolling stock facts for kids

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DLR 106
A Docklands Light Railway train

The Docklands Light Railway rolling stock is a fancy name for all the passenger trains and special service vehicles used on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London, England. These trains help people travel around the exciting London Docklands area in East London. The DLR is special because its trains are mostly driverless!

What is Rolling Stock?

Rolling stock is a term used for any vehicle that moves on a railway track. For the DLR, this means the trains that carry passengers every day. These trains are electric and designed to run on tracks that are often above the ground, giving passengers great views of the city.

Early DLR Trains

When the DLR first opened in 1987, it used trains called P86 stock. These were some of the first trains built for the DLR. They were made by a company called Linke-Hofmann-Busch.

  • The P86 trains were 28 metres (about 92 feet) long.
  • They could carry around 84 seated passengers and 126 standing.
  • These trains were designed to be lightweight and efficient.

Soon after, in 1989, more trains arrived, known as P89 stock. These were very similar to the P86 trains but helped the DLR carry more people as it became more popular.

Newer Trains Join the Fleet

As the DLR grew, it needed even more trains.

  • In the 1990s, the B90 and B92 stock trains were introduced. These were built by Bombardier Transportation.
  • The B92 trains were a bit longer and could carry more passengers. They also had a more modern look.
  • These trains were important because they allowed the DLR to run longer trains, often made of two connected cars, to handle the increasing number of commuters and visitors.

Later, in the early 2000s, the B2K stock trains arrived. These trains were also built by Bombardier and helped to update the DLR fleet even further. They looked similar to the B92 trains but had some improvements.

The Latest DLR Trains

The DLR continued to expand, and with new lines and more passengers, even newer trains were needed.

  • The B07 stock trains started arriving in 2007. These were also from Bombardier and brought a fresh design to the DLR.
  • These trains are longer and wider than the older models, meaning more space for everyone.
  • They have large windows, perfect for sightseeing as you travel through the Docklands.
  • The B07 trains are designed to be very reliable and comfortable for passengers.

Even newer trains, the B2007 stock, have joined the fleet, continuing to improve the DLR's capacity and passenger experience. The DLR is always looking for ways to make travel better and more efficient for everyone.

Inside a DLR Train

Stepping inside a DLR train, you'll notice a few things that make them unique:

  • No Driver's Cab: Since DLR trains are mostly driverless, there isn't a traditional driver's cabin at the front. Instead, there's usually a small control panel that can be opened by staff if needed. This means passengers can often sit right at the very front and enjoy the view!
  • Open Space: The trains are designed with lots of open space, making it easy to move around, even when it's busy.
  • Large Windows: The big windows are a key feature, offering fantastic views of the modern buildings and waterways of the Docklands.

Driverless Technology

The DLR is famous for its driverless trains. This means:

  • Trains are controlled by a computer system.
  • This system manages when trains start, stop, and how fast they go.
  • There are DLR staff members on board, called "Captains," who can take over control if needed and help passengers.
  • This technology helps trains run very smoothly and frequently, which is great for busy London.

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