British Rail Class 116

British Rail Class 116
Class 116 near Kenilworth in 1976.
Interior.
In service1957–1995
ManufacturerDerby Litchurch Lane Works
Built atDerby
Family nameFirst generation
ReplacedSteam locomotives and carriages
Constructed1957–1961
Number built
  • DMBS: 108
  • DMS: 108
  • TC: 94
Number preserved
  • DMBS: 5
  • TC: 1
Number scrapped
  • DMBS: 103
  • DMS: 108
  • TC: 93
Formation2 or 3 cars per trainset
Capacity
  • DMBS: 85 second
  • DMS: 95 second
  • TC: 28 first, 74 second
OperatorsBritish Rail
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length64 ft 0 in (19.51 m)
Width9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height12 ft 4+12 in (3.77 m)
Maximum speed70 mph (113 km/h)
WeightPower cars: 36 long tons 0 cwt (80,600 lb or 36.6 t),
Trailer cars: 28 long tons 10 cwt (63,800 lb or 29 t)
Prime mover(s)Two BUT of 150 hp (112 kW) per power car
Power output600 hp (447 kW) per set
Multiple working Blue Square
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)

The British Rail Class 116 diesel multiple units were built by BR Derby from 1957 to 1961. Introduced as part of the British Railways Modernisation Plan in the mid 1950s, as with other first generation DMUs the 116 was intended to replace steam trains and reduce costs across the rail network.[1] Alongside Metro-Cammell, BR Derby had prior experience with DMUs, having developed a Lightweight Unit, and so was awarded a contract for a new design.[2]

  1. ^ "Modernisation and Re-Equipment of British Railways :: The Railways Archive". www.railwaysarchive.co.uk.
  2. ^ Cooke, B.W.C., ed. (June 1954). "B.R. Lightweight Diesel Trains". The Railway Magazine. Vol. 100, no. 638. Westminster: Tothill Press. p. 369.