SR Class 2Nol facts for kids

The 2Nol was a special type of electric train used in the United Kingdom. These trains were built in the 1930s by the Southern Railway. They were unique because they used parts from older trains, specifically the bodies of carriages from the London and South Western Railway. These old bodies were placed on brand new underframes, which are the strong bases that hold the train's wheels and equipment.

These trains were known by their special code, "2Nol". This code helped the railway company keep track of its different types of electric trains. The "2Nol" units did not stay in service long enough to be given a modern TOPS class number by British Rail, which was the national railway company that came later.

What Was the 2Nol Train?

The 2Nol was an electric multiple unit. This means it was a train made of several carriages that could all move together, powered by electricity. Unlike trains pulled by a separate engine, each part of an electric multiple unit can have its own motors. This makes them very flexible for passenger services.

How Were 2Nol Trains Built?

The Southern Railway was very clever when they built the 2Nol trains. Instead of building everything from scratch, they reused parts from older trains. They took the main body sections from carriages that used to belong to the London and South Western Railway. These old bodies were then placed onto new, strong underframes. This was a smart way to create new trains without spending too much money.

Why Reuse Old Parts?

Reusing old parts, like the carriage bodies, helped the Southern Railway save money and resources. It was a bit like recycling! By putting these older, but still good, bodies onto new underframes, they could quickly add more electric trains to their network. This was important as more and more people wanted to travel by train in the 1930s.

The Southern Railway's Electric Network

The Southern Railway was famous for its large network of electric trains. They were one of the first railway companies in the UK to electrify many of their lines. This meant trains could run on electricity instead of steam, which was often faster, cleaner, and quieter. The 2Nol trains were a small part of this big electric network.

When Were 2Nol Trains Used?

The 2Nol trains were introduced in 1934. They were used for passenger services, helping people travel around the Southern Railway's lines. These trains were designed for the busy routes around London and the south of England. They helped carry commuters and other passengers efficiently.

What Happened to the 2Nol Trains?

The 2Nol units did not have a very long life compared to some other trains. They were eventually taken out of service and scrapped. This happened before the modern British Rail numbering system (called TOPS) was put in place. So, they never received a TOPS class number, which is why they are less known than some other types of trains.