Class 501 Profile and Models

Class 501

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 All sets were withdrawn by mid-1985.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

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