Class 501 Profile and Models
501 unit at Harrow & Wealdstone. Date unknown. ©Public Domain
The British Rail Class 501 electric multiple units were built in 1955/56 for use on the former LNWR/LMS suburban electric network of the London Midland Region. A total of 57 three-car units were built. The services worked by the Class 501 units consisted of a small self-contained group of lines, which were electrified at 630 V DC on the 3rd and 4th rail principle, linking London Euston to Watford, Broad Street with both Richmond and Watford plus the Croxley Green branch — which was mostly served by shuttle trains from Watford. Some of these services were partially jointly operated with London Underground's Bakerloo and District Lines. In 1970 the trains were converted to 3rd rail only operation, although the 4th rail was retained on sections of line which are shared with London Underground trains. All sets were withdrawn by mid-1985. |
|
Type of Unit |
630V DC 3rd-rail & 4th-rail EMU |
Builder |
BR Eastleigh Works |
Build Dates |
1955 to 1956 |
Total Built |
57 sets |
Coaches Per Unit |
3 |
Power Output |
740hp |
Top Speed |
70 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
242 to 256 seats |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Local Passenger |
In Service Until |
1985 |
Surviving Examples |
2 individual cars |