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Locomotive-Specs
BREL BR 421/3 – photo 1© trainspo.com
Electric multiple unit

BREL BR 421/3

Built by BREL

Top speed
145 km/h
90 mph
Track gauge
1,435 mm
Standard gauge
Years built
1964–1972

Overview of the BREL BR 421/3

Discover the BR 421/3, a classic Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) that served the United Kingdom's railways.

Built by BREL between 1964 and 1972 for British Railways Board, this robust train offered efficient electric traction.

With a top speed of 145 km/h and a standard gauge of 1435 mm, the BR 421/3 provided reliable service. Its electric systems operated on 750 V DC via a third rail, a common setup for many UK lines.

Between 1986 and 1988, a significant refurbishment brought the BR 421/3 up to date, enhancing its operational capabilities for many more years of service.

Each car measures 20.25 meters in length, with a width of 2.82 meters and a height of 3.89 meters, reflecting its solid and practical design for passenger transport.

BREL BR 421/3 technical specifications

Value
SeriesBR 421
Built byBREL · 1964–1972
Refurbished1986 - 1988 (10)
Top speed145 km/h90 mph
Electric systems
  • 750 V DC (3rd rail)
Track gauge1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in
Car length20.25 m66 ft 5 in
Width2.82 m9 ft 3 in
Height3.89 m12 ft 9 in

Operators of the BREL BR 421/3

Railway companies that have operated the BR 421/3, with the class designation used by each of them.

OperatorClassCountry
British Railways BoardBR 421/3United Kingdom

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