British Rail Derby Lightweight
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The British Rail Derby Lightweight diesel multiple units, were the first such trains to be built en-masse for British Railways. The units were built at BR's Derby Works from 1954 to 1955. The units were built in various formations, including 12 power-twin 2-car units, 84 power-trailer 2-car units, and four 4-car units. The two single car units were originally built as a two-car unit and then split two years later when demand came about.
British Rail Derby Lightweight | |
---|---|
In service | 1954-1969 |
Manufacturer | BR Derby Works |
Replaced | Steam locomotives and carriages |
Constructed | 1954-1959 |
Number built | 217 vehicles |
Number preserved | 2 sets |
Formation | 1, 2 & 4 car formations |
Capacity | 16 1st + 53 3rd class (motor composite), 61 3rd class (motor third brake) |
Operators | British Rail |
Specifications | |
Car length | 57 ft 6 in (17.53 m) |
Doors | 2 on each side |
Maximum speed | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
Weight | 27 tonnes (26.6 long tons; 29.8 short tons) power car |
Prime mover(s) | Two BUT |
Power output | (AEC) 125 bhp (93 kW) except BUT (AEC) 150 bhp (110 kW) for single units |
Multiple working | ā Yellow Diamond |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1ā2 in) standard gauge |
Body framing was extruded and riveted together. Panelling was welded into continuous sheets and riveted to the frame. Luggage racks were light alloy. The floors had 2 layers of flameproof hardboard, covered with linoleum. To reduce noise and condensation, the inside structure and undersides were sprayed with asbestos. Lighting was by 60-watt, 24-volt lamps charged by belt driven dynamos. Heating was oil fired. Standard mild steel bogies ran on Timken roller bearings.[1]
Contemporaneous with these units was the unique Battery Electric Multiple Unit.